Chris Kowalik unpacks some frequently asked questions from participants in the Thrift Savings Plan regarding contributions, agency matching, and confusion over traditional and Roth accounts more…
Recent Articles
Retroactive Payments to Begin from Repeal of Social Security’s WEP, GPO
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that starting the week of February 24, 2025, it will begin to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payment to individuals whose monthly Social Security benefits have been affected by the Windfall Government Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Ed Zurndorfer outlines what actions an eligible individual should take, and provides details of the implementation more…
Pre-Age 55 Penalty-Free TSP Withdrawals: TSP Annuity and TSP Monthly Payments Based on Life Expectancy
With perhaps thousands of federal employees having to leave federal service as a result of reductions-in-force (RIFs), the question becomes for many: How to access their Thrift Savings Plan accounts? In column one of a two-part series, Ed Zurndorfer discusses how separated federal employees younger than age 55 can make penalty-free TSP withdrawals. Presented in this column is the TSP annuity and TSP monthly payments based on life expectancy more…
Federal Employees Retiring Under an ‘Early Out’ Offer
Chris Kowalik outlines the opportunities (and the consequences) to leaving federal service under the VERA/VSIP more…
Some Separating Federal Employees May Qualify for Discontinued Service Retirement
Over the last several weeks, there have been thousands of federal employees who have received notice that they are or will be involuntarily separated from federal service. Those employees who have 20 or more years of creditable federal service may be eligible for a discontinued service retirement (DSR). A discontinued service retirement means that an employee is eligible to retire and be able to immediately start collecting their CSRS or FERS annuity. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the DSR option and rules for CSRS and FERS employees more…
2026 Federal Pay Raise Proposed at 4.3%
If passed, the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act would give a 2026 federal pay raise including an overall average 3.3% increase in base pay with 1% for locality pay more…
Homeownership Can Shelter Federal Employees and Retirees from Income Taxes
Ed Zurndorfer outlines some key tax deductions and tax exclusions associated with homeownership that federal employees and retirees should be aware of when it comes to owning, buying and selling a home more…
Bill Reintroduced to Eliminate Income Tax on Social Security Benefits
If passed, the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act (HR 1040) will amend the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate Social Security benefits in an individual’s gross income. A senior group estimates the annual tax savings per household and the possible impact on future cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) more…
Taxation of Lump-Sum Payment of Refunded CSRS or FERS Contributions
Federal employees who leave federal service before they are eligible to retire can apply for a refund of their CSRS or FERS retirement contributions. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the federal income tax consequences of the lump-sum distribution of CSRS and FERS retirement contributions. more…
Update on Implementation of Social Security Fairness Act
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the latest information issued by the Social Security Administration regarding implementation of the new law repealing the WEP and GPO. Includes impact on a beneficiary’s payments and the agency’s challenges in implementation more…