Make No Mistake, Biden Will Rock Your Retirement Future

An aggressive political battle over the shape of your retirement is beginning in Washington D.C.

Here is a brief outline of possible changes in policy that, if enacted, would impact your retirement plans.

1. President Biden has proposed eliminating the step-up in basis for inherited capital assets, therefore, heirs face substantially higher taxes on their wealth in the future.

2. Capital gains tax rates could potentially be raised for those making over $1 million, and the federal estate tax exemption could be reduced from the current level, $11.5 million. One possibility is an exemption roll back to its 2017 level of $5.49 million.

3. There are plans to create tax credits for small businesses and nonprofits that widen access to 401(k) plans for those workers saving for retirement. This includes a proposal to mandate auto-enrollment, which is not a bad idea because studies show this considerably enhances savings.

However, a more controversial plan is brewing to "equalize" the tax benefits of individual 401(k) contributions. This means substituting the current system of an individual taking an immediate tax deduction based on an annual contribution. These savings grow tax free until the money is withdrawn or paid out in retirement.

Under a Biden proposal, everyone would receive a universal tax credit of $260 regardless of contribution. Sponsors of this proposal feel that higher income workers have an unfair advantage and a universal tax credit will incentivize lower wage earners. Not only does this thesis remain inconclusive, but small-business owners may have less incentive to sponsor a retirement plan for their business if it becomes more complicated and expensive because tax incentives are eliminated.

4. Several tax changes are in the pipeline to help senior citizens and caregivers. Seniors who qualify can obtain tax benefits for paying their long-term care insurance with retirement savings. In addition, low-wage workers over 65 are being considered for access to an earned income credit which does not exist now for those over 65. Expect a drive to add a new $5,000 tax credit for "informal” or family caregivers providing unpaid long-term care to elderly relatives.

While income above $142,800 is currently not subject to payroll tax, the new administration will circle back to target wages above $400,000 a year for the 12.4% levy which will also see more increases in the years ahead. This new income level of $400,000 will not be indexed for inflation.

6. Democrats have consistently supported financial transaction taxes on every aspect of security activity. This proposal fails to note that retirement plans are major purchasers and seller of stocks and bonds, so 401(k) and IRA participants would face higher expenses if subject to this tax.

7. Finally, Biden has previously floated a remedy to help workers in their 60s from losing jobs and health care. He may propose lowering the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60. This adjustment would be meant to help older employees who lost their jobs during the COVID pandemic.

The debate on these retirement-related issues will heat up in the next few weeks and months. It will be important to remain vigilant and well-informed because as our population grows older, these issues are not going away.

Clara Del Villar is Director of Senior Initiatives at FreedomWorks Foundation. Her financial industry career included senior roles in Investment Management, Private Asset Management, and Capital Markets. Her entrepreneurial ventures involved digital media as Founder, CEO of The Hispanic Post; energy tech as founder of InEnergy and health tech. She is a former advisor at 60Plus Foundation. Currently, she is a Board Director at General American Investors Co. and Executive Committee of Weill Cornell Women's Health Symposium. She earned a BSFS at Georgetown University. Read Clara Del Villar's Reports — More Here.