Retirement Income Reporting Basics (Tax Year 2026)

Course Classification:

• Category: Federal Tax (T).

• Credits: 2 IRS Continuing Education Hours.

• Provider: EZ Tax To Go LLC (Provider Number GFLRH).

Summary Description:

Ensure compliance and optimize the tax situation of your retired clients with this comprehensive course updated to SECURE 2.0 Act regulations and the 2026 tax year. You will learn to decipher the complexity of 1099-R forms, calculate required minimum distributions (RMDs), and navigate the strict rules for penalties and inherited accounts, avoiding costly errors in return preparation.

What will you learn in this course?

• Critical Forms and Codes: Master reading Form 1099-R and the vital interpretation of Distribution Codes in Box 7 (including early withdrawals, conversions, and rollovers).

• 2026 Contribution Limits: Apply the updated limits for IRAs and 401(k)s, including the new rule requiring “catch-up” contributions to be made on a Roth basis for high-income earners.

• Penalties and Exceptions: Calculate the 10% early withdrawal penalty and learn to clearly differentiate between exceptions exclusive to IRAs and those for employer plans.

• Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Determine the exact starting age (73 or 75 years old depending on birth year), calculate mandatory amounts, and understand the new reduced penalty (25% or 10% if corrected) for missed RMDs.

• Inherited Accounts: Apply the complex 10-year rule of the SECURE Act for non-spouse beneficiaries, identifying when annual withdrawals are mandatory during the first 9 years.

• Social Security and Pension Taxation: Determine what portion of Social Security benefits is taxable (using the “combined income” calculation) and calculate the tax-free portion of pensions with the Simplified Method.

• Advanced Planning: Help your clients reduce taxes using tools such as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and claiming the frequently overlooked Saver’s Credit.

Enroll today to become the trusted advisor your clients need during their golden years and ensure accurate, penalty-free retirement income reporting!