Posted on Friday, 16th December 2022 by

Print This Post Print This Post
Share

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. This time of year, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) sends out participant’s Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and in early January our annuity statements will arrive reflecting an 8.7% for CSRS and 7.7% FERS COLA increase.

RMDs

The first year you are 72 or older and separated from service is called your first distribution calendar year. If you do not withdraw enough to meet the requirement during your first distribution calendar year, the TSP is required to disburse your first RMD to you by April 1 of the following year. That date is called your required beginning date, and it happens during your second distribution calendar year.

For administrative purposes, the TSP will issue this RMD on March 1 or the last business day before March 1 of your second distribution calendar year. Your RMD deadline for your second distribution calendar year is December 31 of that same year.

In the years that follow, you’ll receive your RMD in December if not withdrawn earlier. If you don’t take your first RMD by December of this year, you will receive two distributions next year; this could lead to increased Medicare Part B premiums the following year if you aren’t careful.

For additional RMD information refer to the following two articles that I wrote on this subject last year:

ANNUITY STATEMENTS

Federal annuitants receive their updated Annuity Statement, with the COLA increase added, early January. In February, you will receive another Annuity Statement showing FEHB healthcare and FEDVIP premium changes. New statements are sent out throughout the year whenever there are changes to checking/savings allotments, income tax withholding, and long-term care insurance, etc.

The January statement provides annuity and benefit information for you and your family. It includes the annuitant’s Claim number, the amount withheld for each item deducted from your annuity payment, and your gross and net payment. It specifies the monthly survivor annuity currently payable in the event of the annuitant’s death and includes an annual Notice of Survivor Annuity Election Rights. You will also find OPM contact information.

Instructions are included for making benefit elections such as how to apply for a survivor election for a spouse you marry after retirement, survivor annuity elections for a former spouse, and others. This is an important document and should be readily available if you or your survivor need to contact OPM or require benefit clarifications.




1099 R TAX STATEMENT

Last year the 1099Rs were sent out mid-January. I received mine January 14th. A portion of our federal annuity isn’t taxable, this document includes your gross and taxable amounts in block 1 and 2a. The amount withheld for federal income tax is listed in block 4 and block 5 lists employee contributions including our FEHB health care premiums. One of the more interesting blocks is 9b (Total Employee Contributions). I’ve been retired 18 years; what I paid into the system was paid out to me within the first two years! We have exceptional retirement benefits.

OPM’s RETIREMENT SERVICES WEBSITE

Your annual statement, 1099R form, insurance and annuity verification letters and much more is available on OPM’s Retirement Services Website. You must register to gain access. If you aren’t registered read the article titled “Connect to OPM’s Online Services” to understand the registration process and sign up. It doesn’t take long, however, you may have to wait for your password to be sent via regular US mail; that can take several weeks.

Starting in  2023 you can elect to receive your annual notice of survivor annuity adjustment along with your annuity statement and 1099R electronically from your Services Online account. The annual notice will be available for viewing in mid-December and the 1099R in mid to late January. You will receive an email from OPM when these documents are available.

To opt into electronic delivery, simply log into www.servicesonline.opm.gov and update your communication preferences in your Profile.

Helpful Retirement Planning Tools

Disclaimer: The information provided may not cover all aspect of unique or special circumstances, federal regulations, medical procedures, and benefit information are subject to change. To ensure the accuracy of this information, contact relevant parties for assistance including OPM’s retirement center. Over time, various dynamic economic factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change.

The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM or any federal entity. You should consult with a financial, medical or human resource professional where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Last 5 posts by Dennis Damp

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY, BENEFITS / INSURANCE, EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS, ESTATE PLANNING, FINANCE / TIP, RETIREMENT CONCERNS, SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE, SURVIVOR INFORMATION | Comments (0)


Print This Post Print This Post