Retirement
Standard Deduction or Itemize? What Federal Employees Should Know for 2025
Federal employees: Don’t assume last year’s tax approach works in 2025—higher SALT caps mean itemizing could finally beat the standard deduction.
Taxes
Stay informed on tax rules and implications affecting federal employees and retirees, including guidance on taxes for FERS and CSRS annuities, Social Security taxation, TSP withdrawals, and retirement income planning. Explore updates on IRS regulations, withholding rules, state tax considerations, and policy changes that influence how federal retirement benefits are taxed. Find clear explanations and practical insights to help federal employees understand how different income sources are treated and how tax changes may impact their financial planning.
Retirement
Avoiding the Tax Trap: What the Elimination of WEP and GPO Means for Your Income and Taxes
The 2025 Social Security Fairness Act removed WEP and GPO, boosting CSRS retirees’ benefits and income, but also created new tax and Medicare implications.
Retirement
Mastering Roth Conversions: How Federal Employees Can Slash Retirement Taxes
Strategically utilizing Roth conversions is a way that federal employees can reduce their tax burden in retirement.
Retirement
ABLE Accounts: A Powerful but Underused Planning Tool for FERS and Military Families
ABLE accounts let federal and military families save for disability needs tax-free while protecting SSI, Medicaid, and survivor benefits—key to long-term planning.
Retirement
Saving for Children Under FERS: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why
Not all savings accounts for children are equal for FERS families.
Retirement
Why “Safe” Withdrawal Rates Depend on the Type of Account You’re Spending From
Safe retirement withdrawal rates depend on the account type, as tax drag reduces sustainability for taxable and traditional IRA accounts.
Retirement
Is Military Retirement Pension Taxable? Federal and State Income Tax Chart
Is military retirement taxable? Understand tax rules for military retirement pay, including federal income tax for disability military retirement benefits.
Pay & Benefits
TSP Releases January 2026 Processing Schedule
The Thrift Savings Plan has released its processing schedule for January which contains important updates for TSP participants.
Pay & Benefits
Major Changes to Charitable Giving Tax Rules Begin in 2026
Starting 2026, new charitable tax rules add non-itemizer deductions, AGI floors, and 35% caps, making careful planning essential for maximizing benefits.
Retirement
Why Federal Employees Often Reach Their Highest Tax Bracket After They Retire
Federal retirees often face higher taxes than expected, as FERS, Social Security, and TSP RMDs quickly fill tax brackets and trigger Medicare surcharges.