Compliance January 3, 2013

Fiscal Cliff Deal Extends Roth Conversions

While the fiscal cliff deal left tax treatment of retirement savings unchanged, it includes a provision for retirement plans that could generate revenue right away.
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The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 includes a provision allowing for in-plan Roth conversions of defined contribution retirement plan accounts otherwise not distributable, without any income limitations. Previously, only amounts deemed distributable—such as upon attainment of age 59 ½ by a participant—could only be converted to Roth accounts.  

The provision is effective January 1, 2013, but prior account balances are allowed to be converted.  

According to news reports, the provision is expected to raise $12.2 billion in 10 years to help pay for the two-month delay of spending cuts in the deal.

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