How the SECURE 2.0 Act Impacts Estate Planning in Plantation, Florida

Hello, Florida residents! I’m Nick Carryl, the owner of Carryl Law Firm PLLC, serving Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Weston, Coral Springs, and the entire State of Florida. We’re dedicated to helping Floridians with estate planning and its ever-evolving nuances. Let’s delve into the SECURE 2.0 Act and see how it can impact your retirement and future plans.

Key Changes of the SECURE 2.0 Act

President Biden enacted the SECURE 2.0 Act on December 29, 2022. This builds on the original SECURE Act of 2020 which introduced substantial changes to retirement planning. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. The original SECURE Act changes included:
  • Adjusting the required beginning date (RBD) for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from 70 ½ to 72.
  • Removing age restrictions for contributions to retirement accounts.
  • Mandating most beneficiaries to withdraw the full balance of inherited retirement accounts within 10 years of the owner’s death.
2. Notable exceptions:
  • Spouses, beneficiaries close in age to the account owner, the account owner’s minor children, and those who are disabled or chronically ill.
3. SECURE 2.0 Act Enhancements:
  • Increasing the RBD age for RMDs progressively up to 75 by 2033.
  • Reducing penalties for not taking RMDs.
  • Automatic enrollments in specific retirement plans.
  • Enhanced flexibility in annuity payments from retirement plans.
  • Permitting early distributions for long-term care contracts without penalty.

Personalizing Your Retirement Planning

Being based in Plantation and serving areas like Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Weston, and Coral Springs, I understand the unique requirements and concerns of our community members.
Trust Evaluations: It’s crucial to review your Revocable Living Trust or any Standalone Retirement Trust, especially if they were set up before the passage of these Acts. Your trust might mandate direct distributions which, under the SECURE Acts, could result in significant income tax implications for your beneficiaries.
Additional Trust Structures: Given that retirement accounts form a substantial asset for many, considering trusts to handle these accounts might offer advantages. Trusts can provide an added layer of protection, especially in light of the SECURE Act’s 10-year withdrawal rule.
Beneficiary Reviews: With the landscape shifting, now’s the time to re-examine your beneficiary designations, ensuring they align with your current intentions and the law’s requirements.

Securing Your Future in Plantation and Beyond

The SECURE Acts may change some aspects of estate planning, but at Carryl Law Firm PLLC, we’re equipped to navigate these changes, ensuring your hard-earned assets are well-protected. From leveraging charitable trusts to exploring alternative financial strategies, there’s a wealth of options to consider.
Whether you’re in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Weston, or Coral Springs, I invite you to reach out. Let’s discuss how the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 Act might reshape your estate plans and discover the best way forward together.