Can i use the special averging method if i was in my retirement plan for over 8 years?

10 year averaging is only available to individuals born before 1936.

A provision in the tax code allows use of a special formula called “ten year income averaging” by qualifying individuals or their beneficiaries to determine the tax liability with respect to a lump sum distribution they may receive from an employer-sponsored qualified plan or annuity.

This provision is available only if the plan participant was born before January 2, 1936.

The tax under the 10-year averaging option is determined using tax rates that were in effect for single taxpayers in 1986, and is applied to the ordinary income part of the distribution.

A flat 20% capital gain rate is also available for the taxable part of a lump-sum distribution that is attributable to plan participation before 1974.

The 10-year income averaging tax is figured separately from regular tax and the income is not added to adjusted gross income.

The distribution will not cause a loss of tax deductions, credits or other benefits that are keyed to AGI (adjusted gross income).

A lump-sum distribution that qualifies for 10 year income averaging will not trigger the alternative minimum tax as other retirement plan distributions might.

Contrary to the provision’s description, the tax is calculated and paid only once, for the year in which the lump sum distribution is received.

To qualify for 10 year income averaging, the following tests must be met:

1. The distribution must be from a tax-qualified retirement plan or annuity; distributions from IRAs don’t qualify.

2. The distribution of the entire plan balance (not including employee contributions) must be made in one taxable year, and no part of the distribution can be rolled over.

3. The plan participant must have been born before January 2, 1936. Beneficiaries can elect income averaging, but only if the participant meets this requirement.

4. The participant must have been in the plan for at least five years before the distribution (does not apply if payment is made to beneficiaries).

5. The plan participant cannot have used the income averaging provision for any previous distribution after 1986.

6. The distribution must be payable:

     (1) on account of the employee's death;

     (2) after the employee reaches age 59 ½;

     (3) on account of a common law employee's separation from service; or

     (4) after a self-employed individual has become disabled.

A qualifying plan participant (or his or her beneficiary) would use 10 year income averaging if most of the money is needed now for day to day living expenses or to cover medical or other pressing bills.

If most or all of the money is going to be withdrawn anyway, it’s best to use 10 year averaging and pay less tax.

This way, they are not forced to pay tax on money that they don’t need right now.

Additional information available at the following link:

10 Year Averaging Requirements