Birthdays may seem less important as you grow older. They may not offer the impact of watershed moments such as getting a driver\u2019s license at 16 and voting at 18. But beginning at age 50, there are several key birthdays that can affect your tax situation, health-care eligibility, and retirement benefits.<\/p>\n
50<\/strong> \u2014 Taxable distributions from IRAs and qualified employer retirement plans before age 59\u00bd are generally subject to a 10% early distribution penalty (20% for certain SIMPLE plan distributions) on top of any federal income taxes due. But if you are a qualified public safety employee you can take penalty-free withdrawals from your qualified retirement plan after leaving your job if your employment ends during or after the year you reach age 50.<\/p>\n 55<\/strong> \u2014 If you’re not a qualified public safety employee, you can take penalty-free withdrawals from your qualified retirement plan after leaving your job if your employment ends during or after the year you reach age 55.<\/p>\n 59\u00bd<\/strong> \u2014 And all withdrawals from qualified retirement plans and IRAs are penalty-free after you reach age 59\u00bd, whether or not you’re still employed. Ordinary income taxes generally apply to these distributions. (Withdrawals taken prior to age 59\u00bd may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.)<\/p>\n 62<\/strong> \u2014 You are eligible to start collecting Social Security benefits, although your benefit will be reduced by up to 30%. To receive full benefits, you must wait until \u201cfull retirement age,\u201d which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on the year you were born.<\/p>\n 65<\/strong> \u2014 You are eligible to enroll in Medicare. Medicare Part A hospital insurance benefits are automatic for those eligible for Social Security. Part B medical insurance \u00adben\u00adefits are voluntary and have a monthly premium. To obtain coverage at the \u00adearliest possible date, you should generally enroll about two to three months before turning 65.1<\/p>\n 73<\/strong> \u2014 You must start taking minimum distributions from most tax-deferred retirement plans or face a penalty of up to 25% on the amount that should have been withdrawn. Annual required minimum distributions are calculated according to life expectancies determined by the federal government. Of course, you can always withdraw more than the required minimum amount or even withdraw the entire balance as a lump sum.<\/p>\n Source: 1) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the \u00adpurpose of \u00adavoiding any \u00adfederal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek guidance from an independent tax or legal professional. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the \u00adpurchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. \u00a9 2025 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":990,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"article-category":[19],"class_list":["post-989","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article-category-retirement"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n