Return to Articles

Tax Returns and Retirement Financial Planning

Tax Returns and Retirement Financial Planning

Tax Returns and Retirement Financial Planning

Bellevue, Washington resident itemizing her tax deductions
Bellevue, Washington resident itemizing her tax deductions

Tax returns are essential for developing a retirement plan, especially at or near retirement years. A tax return can provide clues to help retirees avoid high marginal tax rates that diminish their retirement savings. Some income items shown on a return that could spike a retiree’s effective marginal tax rate include the following:

  • Taking taxable distributions from a retirement plan, whether voluntarily or due to a required minimum distribution (RMD).

  • Receiving Social Security payments that are subject to a higher tax rate when reported along with other types of income on the tax return.

  • Recognizing capital gains or receiving other investment income will make a retiree subject to the 3.8% tax on net investment income (NIIT).

In addition to triggering higher marginal tax rates, an increase in income for any reason could result in higher premiums for Medicare insurance, which is a type of hidden tax.

A tax return can reveal strategies for maximizing deductions. For example, many taxpayers have not been able to take full advantage of the charitable deduction due to the increase in the standard deduction under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, retirees 70½ or older may be able to reduce their income by making a Qualified Charitable Contribution (QCD) from their retirement plan. This strategy can be seen by reviewing a retiree’s tax return and retirement assets. See IRS Pub. 590-B, page 14: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p590b.pdf

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors will review tax returns as an essential part of developing a retirement plan.

DISCLOSURE:

For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice.

James Falcone and Jon Bever are Investment advisor representatives offering securities and investment advisory services through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer, and Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. In addition, some Investment advisory services are offered through Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor in the State of Washington.

Branch Address: 10940 NE 33rd PL., #210 Bellevue, WA 98004 Branch Phone: 877-400-0260

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors
10940 NE 33rd Pl.
Suite #210
Bellevue, WA 98004

(877) 400-0260
info@fulcrumwa.com

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC (“FWA”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

This website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is intended to provide general information about FWA, its services, and investment-related topics. Nothing contained on this website constitutes investment advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation, solicitation, or offer to buy or sell any security or investment product. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Investment advisory services are provided only pursuant to a written investment advisory agreement entered into between FWA and its clients.

Jurisdictional Limitations: FWA provides investment advisory services only in jurisdictions where it is appropriately registered, exempt, or excluded from registration requirements. The information on this website is not directed to, or intended for use by, any person in any jurisdiction where such use would be contrary to applicable laws or regulations.

Any subsequent, direct communication by FWA with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative who is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion in the jurisdiction where the prospective client resides.

No Personalized Advice: The information presented on this website is general in nature and does not take into account the individual financial circumstances, investment objectives, or risk tolerance of any specific person. Visitors to this website should not rely on any information herein as a substitute for personalized advice from FWA or from their own financial, tax, or legal professionals.

Testimonials, Endorsements & Third-Party Ratings: This website may include testimonials, endorsements, or third-party ratings. Such testimonials or endorsements are not representative of all clients, and no assurance is given that a current or prospective client will experience the same or similar results.

Where applicable, material conflicts of interest and whether compensation was provided in connection with a testimonial or endorsement are disclosed in accordance with applicable SEC regulations. Testimonials, endorsements, and ratings are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Tax and Legal Disclaimer: FWA does not provide tax or legal advice. Information on this website should not be construed as tax or legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with qualified tax and legal professionals regarding your specific situation.

Third-Party Links: This website may contain links to third-party websites for convenience or informational purposes. We review the links when they are added and periodically thereafter and have a reasonable basis for believing they convey accurate information relevant to our clients. FWA does not control or assume responsibility for the content, ongoing accuracy, security, or privacy practices of any third-party websites. Accessing such links is at your own risk, and you are not required to link to any information we make available on our website.

© 2026 Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.​

Website design: Radically Distinct

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors
10940 NE 33rd Pl.
Suite #210
Bellevue, WA 98004

(877) 400-0260
info@fulcrumwa.com

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC (“FWA”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

This website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is intended to provide general information about FWA, its services, and investment-related topics. Nothing contained on this website constitutes investment advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation, solicitation, or offer to buy or sell any security or investment product. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Investment advisory services are provided only pursuant to a written investment advisory agreement entered into between FWA and its clients.

Jurisdictional Limitations: FWA provides investment advisory services only in jurisdictions where it is appropriately registered, exempt, or excluded from registration requirements. The information on this website is not directed to, or intended for use by, any person in any jurisdiction where such use would be contrary to applicable laws or regulations.

Any subsequent, direct communication by FWA with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative who is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion in the jurisdiction where the prospective client resides.

No Personalized Advice: The information presented on this website is general in nature and does not take into account the individual financial circumstances, investment objectives, or risk tolerance of any specific person. Visitors to this website should not rely on any information herein as a substitute for personalized advice from FWA or from their own financial, tax, or legal professionals.

Testimonials, Endorsements & Third-Party Ratings: This website may include testimonials, endorsements, or third-party ratings. Such testimonials or endorsements are not representative of all clients, and no assurance is given that a current or prospective client will experience the same or similar results.

Where applicable, material conflicts of interest and whether compensation was provided in connection with a testimonial or endorsement are disclosed in accordance with applicable SEC regulations. Testimonials, endorsements, and ratings are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Tax and Legal Disclaimer: FWA does not provide tax or legal advice. Information on this website should not be construed as tax or legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with qualified tax and legal professionals regarding your specific situation.

Third-Party Links: This website may contain links to third-party websites for convenience or informational purposes. We review the links when they are added and periodically thereafter and have a reasonable basis for believing they convey accurate information relevant to our clients. FWA does not control or assume responsibility for the content, ongoing accuracy, security, or privacy practices of any third-party websites. Accessing such links is at your own risk, and you are not required to link to any information we make available on our website.

© 2026 Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.​

Website design: Radically Distinct

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors
10940 NE 33rd Pl.
Suite #210
Bellevue, WA 98004

(877) 400-0260
info@fulcrumwa.com

Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC (“FWA”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

This website is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is intended to provide general information about FWA, its services, and investment-related topics. Nothing contained on this website constitutes investment advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation, solicitation, or offer to buy or sell any security or investment product. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.

Investment advisory services are provided only pursuant to a written investment advisory agreement entered into between FWA and its clients.

Jurisdictional Limitations: FWA provides investment advisory services only in jurisdictions where it is appropriately registered, exempt, or excluded from registration requirements. The information on this website is not directed to, or intended for use by, any person in any jurisdiction where such use would be contrary to applicable laws or regulations.

Any subsequent, direct communication by FWA with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative who is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion in the jurisdiction where the prospective client resides.

No Personalized Advice: The information presented on this website is general in nature and does not take into account the individual financial circumstances, investment objectives, or risk tolerance of any specific person. Visitors to this website should not rely on any information herein as a substitute for personalized advice from FWA or from their own financial, tax, or legal professionals.

Testimonials, Endorsements & Third-Party Ratings: This website may include testimonials, endorsements, or third-party ratings. Such testimonials or endorsements are not representative of all clients, and no assurance is given that a current or prospective client will experience the same or similar results.

Where applicable, material conflicts of interest and whether compensation was provided in connection with a testimonial or endorsement are disclosed in accordance with applicable SEC regulations. Testimonials, endorsements, and ratings are not a guarantee of future performance or success.

Tax and Legal Disclaimer: FWA does not provide tax or legal advice. Information on this website should not be construed as tax or legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with qualified tax and legal professionals regarding your specific situation.

Third-Party Links: This website may contain links to third-party websites for convenience or informational purposes. We review the links when they are added and periodically thereafter and have a reasonable basis for believing they convey accurate information relevant to our clients. FWA does not control or assume responsibility for the content, ongoing accuracy, security, or privacy practices of any third-party websites. Accessing such links is at your own risk, and you are not required to link to any information we make available on our website.

© 2026 Fulcrum Wealth Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.​

Website design: Radically Distinct