This week’s #TuesdayTips article comes one day after a recent United States Tax Court ruling in the case of Summers v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (Docket No. 32259-15). Many individuals find themselves in a precarious situation when they decide to handle certain matters without an attorney. These “cost saving measures” sometimes result in quite a heavy burden.
In this specific case, Mr. Summers and his wife divorced amicably and decided to move forward without attorneys. Pursuant to their agreement, Mr. Summers was to withdraw funds from his IRA and provide them to his wife. Typically, this is done via a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Pursuant to 26 U.S. Code Section 72(t)(1), distributions from a QDRO are exempt from the 10% additional tax typically imposed on early distributions. Unbeknownst to Mr. Summers, taking an early distribution made directly to himself would not qualify for the tax exemption even though he immediately transferred said funds to his wife for her sole benefit. As a result of an honest mistake, Mr. Summers was forced to suffer the 10% early distribution tax.
Don’t let yourself fall victim to an honest mistake. The attorneys at ERA Law Group, LLC offer fixed fee QDRO services! Call us today at (443) 906-3566.