Articles by Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Edward A. Zurndorfer is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist and Enrolled Agent in Silver Spring, MD and the owner of EZ Accounting and Financial Services, an accounting, tax preparation and financial planning firm also located in Silver Spring, MD. He is a seminar speaker at federal employee retirement seminars throughout the country and has written numerous publications on federal retirement topics.

July 15 Tax Deadline Approaching: Filing 2019 Returns, Making 2019 IRA Contributions, Paying Balances, and More

July 1, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits and tax expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses additional implications of the 2019 federal income tax filing extension to July 15, 2020 more…

IRS Announces Complete Relief for 2020 Required Minimum Distributions

June 25, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Anyone who already took an RMD in 2020 from certain retirement accounts (including the TSP) now has the opportunity to roll those funds back into a retirement account following the CARES Act RMD waiver for 2020 more…

Some Military Service Can Receive Extra Earnings Credits, Increasing Social Security Retirement Benefits

June 23, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, explains how under certain circumstances “special earnings” will be credited to a Uniformed Service member’s military pay record for Social Security purposes more…

How Some Federal Retirees Could Lose Spousal Social Security Benefits from Government Pension Offset (GPO)

June 18, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses what the GPO is, Congress’ rationale in passing it into law, and how it affects some federal retirees more…

How Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision Affects Some Federal Retirees

June 11, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, explains how the WEP works, and who is affected by it more…

Some Social Security Beneficiaries May Lose Portion of Benefits Due to Earnings Test

June 3, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses the Social Security earnings test — including how it is used and which beneficiaries are affected by it. Several practical examples are provided more…

FERS Special Retirement Supplement May Be Reduced Due to Excess Earnings in 2019

May 27, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, provides an overview of the the FERS special retirement supplement, its earning test, and how to report earnings to the Office of Personnel Management. Practical examples are included. more…

TSP Issues Updated Details on Temporary Loan and Withdrawal Options from CARES Act

May 21, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses what loan options and withdrawal options will be available for participants affected by COVID-19. more…

IRS Provides Tax Relief for Individuals Enrolled in Flexible Spending Accounts, Including FSAFEDS

May 18, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, explains how federal employees enrolled in FSAFEDS can get tax relief through flexibility in 2020 more…

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance Student Loans?

May 12, 2020 - By Edward A. Zurndorfer, Certified Financial Planner

With record low interest rates available, federal employees or family members with student loans might be thinking of refinancing. Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, outlines important considerations, alternatives and mistakes to avoid more…