Episode 23 of Retirement Tax Matters tackles a critical reporting gap that can cause high-net-worth retirees over age 70½ to be taxed on their charitable giving that was supposed to be tax-free. While the IRS recently introduced Code Y for Box 7 of Form 1099-R to explicitly identify Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), many major custodians are still using Code 7 (Normal Distribution) in 2026. T

n Episode 9 of Retirement Tax Matters we delve into the growing challenge of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for high-net-worth retirees with substantial Traditional IRA balances, particularly those in the $2M-$8M range. We establish that a six-figure RMD (beginning at just $2.65 million in an IRA for a 73-year-old in 2025) is a realistic scenario that continues to grow, often exceeding actual spending needs. Our conversation centers on the core dilemma: taking out money you don't need, which becomes fully taxable and can push you into higher tax brackets.

In Episode 7 of Retirement Tax Matters we tackle a critical, yet often emotionally challenging, aspect of HNW retirement planning: the significant tax bracket shock a surviving spouse can face. We reveal how a married couple's ~$250,000 taxable income, typically in the 24% bracket, can jump to a 35% bracket for a surviving spouse due to the shift from married filing jointly to individual rates, compounded by growing RMDs and even higher Medicare premiums.