Denise Appleby

More From Denise Appleby

When a Retirement Rollover Goes Wrong, You Pay the Price

A recent IRS ruling highlights the risks of rollover errors.

Denise Appleby Sep 17, 2026

The New QCD Reporting Rule Raises a Big Question for IRA Owners

A new IRS reporting code has exposed conflicting custodian practices with IRA checkbook donations.

Denise Appleby Aug 21, 2026

Scammed Out of Your IRA? You Could Still Owe Taxes

Missing the 60-day rollover deadline has tax consequences, but IRS relief may be available.

Denise Appleby Aug 18, 2026

IRA Transfers vs. Rollovers: The Rules That Can Cost You

Learn when to use a transfer or a rollover and how to avoid the IRS’ strict 12‑month rule.

Denise Appleby Jun 17, 2026

Why Your Ex Might Still Inherit Your 401(k)

How a simple paperwork mistake after divorce can leave your retirement account in the wrong hands.

Denise Appleby May 21, 2026

The IRA Decision That Affects Your Kids

How your spouse handles an inherited IRA can shorten—or extend—your children’s tax-deferred growth.

Denise Appleby Apr 16, 2026

Roth Employer Contributions Come With a 1099-R Surprise

Electing Roth treatment for employer contributions can trigger unexpected income—and a tax-timing risk advisors can’t afford to miss.

Denise Appleby Mar 10, 2026

Avoid This IRA Distribution Error to Protect Your Retirement Cash

Plus, what you need to do to fix this costly tax mistake.

Denise Appleby Feb 27, 2026

$1,000 Trump Accounts: Focus on the Financial Benefits, Not the Branding

Parents should separate labels from long-term outcomes when saving for their child.

Denise Appleby Feb 19, 2026

How to Name a Charity as Your IRA Beneficiary

Follow these tips to maximize your charitable legacy and minimize taxes.

Denise Appleby Jan 21, 2026

What You Need to Know About Higher 401(k) and IRA Caps in 2026

Americans can save more than ever for retirement in 2026, but new IRS rules add fresh planning opportunities and potential pitfalls.

Denise Appleby Dec 17, 2025

When IRS Guidance Goes Wrong: How to Avoid Costly IRA Mistakes

Why relying on articles, AI, or even IRS publications can be risky.

Denise Appleby Nov 18, 2025

IRS Adds New Reporting Code for Charitable IRA Gifts

Here is how the change helps you when donating to charities directly from your IRA.

Denise Appleby Nov 11, 2025

What Changes for Your IRA and 401(k) When You Get Married

A newlywed’s guide to retirement accounts and beneficiaries.

Denise Appleby Oct 17, 2025

Should You Roll Over Your 401(k)? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding

Rolling over your 401(k) to an IRA can be a smart move, but it is not always the right move.

Denise Appleby Sep 18, 2025

Trump Savings Accounts: The Hidden Tax-Reporting Challenge

Basis tracking makes Trump accounts more complex than they appear.

Denise Appleby Sep 11, 2025

10 Things to Know About the Trump Savings Account

The new OBBBA-created accounts offer tax-deferred savings for children but come with unique rules, limits, and deadlines.

Denise Appleby Aug 20, 2025

An IRS Ruling Shows Why It’s Important to Audit Your IRA

How a title mistake resulted in an unintended ‘Roth’ conversion.

Denise Appleby Jul 17, 2025

Don’t Pay Taxes Twice: Here’s How to Save Thousands on IRA Distributions

Follow these tips to help protect your IRA from costly mistakes.

Denise Appleby Jun 27, 2025

Inheriting an IRA Through an Estate

What you need to know about RMD rules.

Denise Appleby May 21, 2025

Rolling Over Your Roth 401(k)? Here are 4 Must-Know Moves

The timing and method of your Roth 401(k) rollover can affect taxes.

Denise Appleby Apr 23, 2025

5 Tips to Avoid the 10% Penalty on Early Distributions From IRAs and Employer Retirement Plans

Follow these steps to navigate the exceptions and avoid traps that could result in disqualification.

Denise Appleby Mar 25, 2025

Rolling Over Your 401(k)? Take These 4 Key Steps to Avoid Costly Tax Mistakes

How to avoid common rollover pitfalls and retain your tax benefits.

Denise Appleby Feb 19, 2025

How to Fix ‘Misleading’ Reporting on Your Form 1099-R

Ensure nontaxable distributions are not taxed.

Denise Appleby Jan 15, 2025

Calculating IRA 72(t) Payments for the 10% Penalty Exception

How to strategically get the most practical SEPP amounts.

Denise Appleby Dec 18, 2024

IRS Announces New Income Limits for IRA Contributions in 2025

Determine if you are eligible for certain IRA benefits using your AGI and modified AGI.

Denise Appleby Nov 20, 2024

How to Get a Waiver of the 60-Day Deadline for Your IRA Rollover

A waiver excludes your distribution from income.

Denise Appleby Oct 17, 2024

Inherited IRA Rules: What You Need to Know Before 2025

Clarity on the 10-year rule, RMDs, and whether the excise tax would be waived again.

Denise Appleby Oct 11, 2024

Key Rules for a Backdoor Roth IRA Contribution

Circumventing the Roth IRA MAGI limit is a multistep process that should be started now.

Denise Appleby Sep 26, 2024

4 RMD Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing the pitfalls for required minimum distributions can help you avoid the excise tax.

Denise Appleby Aug 22, 2024

Denise Appleby is CEO of Appleby Retirement Consulting Inc., a firm that provides consulting on the tax laws and operational requirements that apply to IRAs and employer plan accounts. She is also the creator and CEO of www.retirementdictionary.com, a free consumer website. Her quick reference manual, "IRA Quick Reference Guide," which is updated annually, is a popular resource for financial and tax professionals and is highly recommended by Natalie Choate, author and speaker on estate and distribution planning for retirement benefits. Follow Denise on social media @ApplebyIRA.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar.

IRA Quick Reference Guide