The Art And Science Of Retirement

The Widow's Tax Penalty: The Cost No One Warns You About


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If you spent your whole life saving and planning for your family's future… only to find out your spouse could be hit with a massive tax bill after you're gone — wouldn't that frustrate you?

In this video, I break down a hidden tax trap that catches thousands of retirees off guard: the Widow's Penalty. You'll learn what it is, why it happens, and how to reduce the impact before it's too late.

Here's what you'll learn: ✅ What happens to your IRA and 401(k) distributions when one spouse passes away ✅ Why "married filing jointly" suddenly changes everything ✅ How your spouse could jump from a 22% tax bracket to 32% overnight ✅ Two strategies to reduce the widow's penalty — Roth conversions and strategic life insurance

Whether you're nearing retirement or already taking RMDs, this episode will help you see your plan through a new lens — and protect your family from unnecessary taxes.

If you want to chat with me, I'd love to meet you via Zoom. You can schedule a chat via our website below.

👋 Schedule a free call: https://www.ellisretirement.com

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The Art And Science Of RetirementBy Grant Ellis