There are life events occurring during a federal retiree’s retirement that can affect their retirement benefits. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the effect of marriage when a federal retiree gets married after retiring from federal service including providing a survivor annuity, changes to health benefits enrollment, beneficiary changes for Thrift Savings Plan, and life insurance concerns. Includes both CSRS and FERS scenarios, practical examples, and the necessary forms more…
Now is the Time to Do a Mid-Year Tax Checkup for 2026
With the middle of the calendar year less than one month away, now is a good time for employees and retirees to perform a mid-year tax checkup. Ed Zurndorfer provides a checklist to avoid costly surprises more…
Are Roth IRAs Subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
Federal employees are aware that traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Both the traditional IRA owner and whoever inherits a traditional IRA upon the death of the traditional IRA owner are subject to annual RMDs. On the other hand, the owner of a Roth IRA is never subject to Roth IRA RMDs, however, upon the Roth IRA owner’s death, an inherited Roth IRA may be subject to lifetime RMDs. Ed Zurndorfer discussses the rules with practical examples. more…
The TSP and Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)
There’s a lot to consider when deciding to withdraw money from your Thrift Savings Plan account. The IRS requires that you receive a portion of your TSP account (your “required minimum distribution” or “RMD”) beginning when you reach a specific age and are separated from service. Ed Zurndorfer simplifies the detailed (and often confusing) RMD rules including how the RMD is calculated, RMD deadlines, and how RMDs affect TSP participant beneficiaries. Several practical examples are provided, along with necessary forms and the free TSP guide, “Tax Rules about TSP Payments” more…
FERS Disability Retirement Annuity Calculation and Other Benefits
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the three ways a FERS disability retirement annuity is calculated (3 stages based on age), and the other benefits received in this type of retirement (including spousal survivor annuity, military service deposits, health and life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan withdrawals). A practical example is included. more…
Understanding the Difference Between FERS Regular (Immediate) Retirement and FERS Disability Retirement
Disability retirement should be used only when attempts have been made to preserve an employee’s federal employment, and those attempts have failed. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the differences between a FERS immediate (and unreduced) retirement and a FERS disability retirement — including the minimum retirement age requirements, the FERS basic annuity, the FERS retirement annuity supplement and concerns regarding the Federal Employees Health Benefits and other benefits. more…
The Choice of FERS Disability Retirement or Workers’ Compensation
Ed Zurndorfer discusses a FERS-covered employee’s decision to either get disability retirement or receivie workers’ compensation benefits. In some situations, the employee may be eligible to receive both. more…
FERS Disability Retirement: Eligibility Requirements & Application Process / Review
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the requirements that a FERS-covered employee must fulfill in order to qualify for a disability retirement — and the criteria the Office of Personnel Management considers in determining whether to approve it. Included are a list of necessary forms and how to appeal if OPM denies the application. more…
New IRS Charitable Deduction Tax Rules in 2026
Ed Zurndorfer discusses a major tax rule changes that will likely affect the charitable giving strategies for many federal employees and retirees — for those that itemize their deductions and those who don’t. Tips and practical examples are included more…
More Opportunities to Use Section 529 College Savings Funds from New Law
With the recent turnover and reduction in the federal government workforce, many federal employees may be considering changing jobs or professions — and likely need additional training and licensing. Using tax-free withdrawals from a Section 529 plan is one way of minimizing the cost of this additional training and licensing. Ed Zurndorfer outlines how opportunities have been expanded with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in 2025. more…