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IRS Publication 590-B

IRS Publication 590-B is an official publication from the Internal Revenue Service designed to help taxpayers understand their options when it comes to calculating their taxes for withdrawal from an IRA account. This publication also helps taxpayers understand how their withdrawals affect their tax liability and how to report it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The Publication 590-B includes detailed instructions on how to calculate taxes when withdrawing from a traditional IRA account (Chapter 1), Roth IRA (Chapter 2), Rollover IRA (Chapter 3), SEP IRA (Chapter 4), Simple IRA (Chapter 5), Inherited IRA (Chapter 6) and Retirement Plans With After-Tax Contributions Made Before 1987 (Chapter 7).

In Chapter 1 of Publication 590-B, taxes owed upon withdrawal from a traditional IRA are calculated based on the amount withdrawn and the taxpayer's filing status. Special provisions are provided for those taxpayers who are disabled, age 59 ½ or older, plans which have been transferred after a divorce, and tax-free returns.

In Chapter 2 of Publication 590-B, the rules for Roth IRA withdrawals are stipulated. This chapter mainly covers distributions taken before the retirement age of 59 ½. Early withdrawals are typically subject to taxes and an additional penalty. However, some scenarios may be exempted from penalty – such as retirement distributions.

In Chapter 3 of this publication, rules for rollover IRAs are discussed. Rollover IRA distributions are distributed tax-free, but must generally be spread over a certain period of time.

In Chapter 4, rules for SEP-IRA distributions are discussed. Generally, the rules relating to Traditional and Roth IRAs of Chapters 1 and 2 also apply to SEP-IRAs.

The rules regarding Simple IRA distributions are discussed in Chapter 5. Distributions from this type of IRA are usually taxed as ordinary income, with the exception of certain qualifying distributions which are exempt from taxes. Special provisions are also provided for inactive participants or participants that have retired or are disabled.

In Chapter 6 of Publication 590-B, rules for inherited IRAs are discussed. Generally, the beneficiaries of this type of account must pay taxes on the distributions.

Finally, Chapter 7 of the publication discusses rules regarding retirement plans with after-tax contributions made before 1987. This type of retirement plan has different taxation rules than other types of IRAs. This chapter provides guidance how to identify and report taxable income received from these accounts.

Overall, Publication 590-B provides relevant information and detailed instructions on how to calculate the taxes owed upon withdrawal from any type of IRA account. It is important to review and understand the rules outlined in this publication before withdrawing any money from an IRA account in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises when filing taxes.

Glossary Index