Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the Spring 2026 Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Group℠ Workshop in Las Vegas, Nevada. I attended alongside my colleague Paul Merritt, and as always, it was an intense and valuable experience.
I regularly participate in training sessions with other advisors that are focused on retirement and tax planning. These sessions are designed to help us stay current on changing laws so we can better guide clients through decisions that affect their income, taxes, and long-term planning.
Why This Training Matters Right Now
While many people think of taxes as something to deal with once a year, retirement tax planning is an ongoing process for financial advisors.
At this workshop, advisors from across the country spent two full days working through the laws shaping retirement planning today.
At the moment, three major pieces of legislation are all in effect at the same time:
- The SECURE Act
- SECURE 2.0
- OBBBA
Each law introduced meaningful changes. Together, they create layers of rules that require more coordination than in the past.
One idea that came up repeatedly was that today’s tax environment may create a limited planning window. With current tax rates where they are, decisions made over the next few years can have a lasting impact on your retirement plan.
Key Takeaways That May Affect Your Retirement Plan
Here are some of the main areas we focused on and why they matter:
Final IRS RMD Regulations
The IRS has finalized nearly 300 pages of rules around required minimum distributions.
We reviewed what these updates mean for retirees, surviving spouses, and beneficiaries, and how small missteps can lead to unnecessary penalties.
Inherited IRAs and the 10-Year Rule
Many families are still unaware of the deadlines that apply when inheriting retirement accounts.
The rules vary based on who inherits the account and when. Getting this wrong can lead to avoidable tax consequences, especially when distributions are delayed or misunderstood.
Roth Conversions: More Moving Parts Than Ever
Roth conversions continue to be an important planning strategy, but they are not one-size-fits-all.
At the workshop, we walked through dozens of factors that can influence whether a conversion makes sense. Income levels, future tax expectations, time horizon, and beneficiary considerations all play a role.
Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions (Starting in 2026)
For higher earners making catch-up contributions to workplace retirement plans, new Roth requirements are approaching.
Understanding whether you are affected and how this fits into your broader plan might be worth reviewing sooner rather than later.
IRAs vs. 401(k)s: Important Differences
These accounts are often grouped together, but they follow different rules for contributions, rollovers, and distributions.
Confusing the two can lead to unexpected tax results, especially when moving money between accounts.
New Savings Account Rules to Watch
We also reviewed upcoming changes that introduce a new type of tax-advantaged savings account that is expected to take effect in 2026. While details are still developing, understanding how new account types may fit alongside existing retirement strategies will be important as guidance becomes clearer.
More Than Tax Code. Real-Life Planning
Beyond the technical material, the workshop also focused on real-life planning situations.
One session that stood out covered how families can address retirement account decisions for aging parents early, before health or cognitive changes limit planning options. It is a situation many families face, but often not until decisions become more urgent.
We also heard from leadership expert Ty Bennett, who spoke about focus, adaptability, and staying sharp. It was a good reminder that continuing education is not just about rules. It is also about how we show up for the people we work with.
What This Means for You
I attend these workshops both to stay current and to have more informed conversations with my clients.
Retirement rules continue to evolve, and even small changes can affect how income is taken, how taxes are paid over time, and how assets are passed on.
If you would like to go over how your current plan is set up or talk through how recent changes may apply to you, we are here to help. You can schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with our team in Glastonbury or Wilton, Connecticut.
Have a quick question instead? Send us a note.
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Tom Hine is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and owner of Capital Wealth Management. With over 30 years of experience, Tom works with individuals and families on financial planning, retirement strategies, and investment management. He has a particular passion for special needs financial planning, shaped by his personal experience helping raise his sister Amy, who was born with a severe chromosomal condition. Tom understands the emotional and financial challenges that come with caring for a loved one with disabilities and helps clients navigate complex issues like preserving government benefit eligibility, coordinating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE accounts, and long-term care planning. With offices in Glastonbury and Wilton, CT, Tom serves clients across Connecticut and throughout the U.S. Schedule a complimentary introductory meeting with Tom.
Ed Slott and Ed Slott & Co., and the speakers referenced above, are not affiliated with Capital Wealth Management, LLC or Raymond James.
The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information purposes only and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This information has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. It is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of the author and are subject to change without notice.
Please note that changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact on individual situations. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
RMDs are generally subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible depending on income, tax-filing status, and other factors. Withdrawals of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings are subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.
Roth IRA owners must be age 59½ or older and have held the IRA for at least five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. 401(k) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles. Withdrawals of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings are subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.