Don't make these common IRA mistakes

These days we need to do all we can to boost our retirement savings, and tax breaks can be a big help. Using a traditional IRA to build your nest egg is a great idea. Just be sure you don't make any of these common IRA mistakes.

THE WRONG INVESTMENTS. Don't put tax-free investments, such as municipal bonds, in an IRA. You'll end up paying ordinary income tax on money that wouldn't have been taxed, or you'll sacrifice earnings for a tax benefit you'll never receive.

NO CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS. Be aware that if you're 50 or older, you can contribute an extra $1,000 to your IRA each year.

THE WRONG BENEFICIARY. Your choice of beneficiary can affect how quickly IRA funds must be distributed. The longer money stays in an IRA, the longer it grows tax-free.

EARLY WITHDRAWALS. You'll pay regular income tax as well as a 10% penalty on early withdrawals from your IRA unless an exception applies. Early withdrawals are those you take when you're under age 59½.

MISSED RMDs. You are required to take distributions from your IRA when you reach 70½. You have until April 1 of the year after you turn 70½ to begin withdrawals. The penalty for withdrawing less than the required amount is 50% of the shortage.

IRA mistakes can be costly. If you'd like answers to your IRA questions, give us a call.

Check out your IRA options

It's not too late to make contributions to an IRA for 2012. You can establish and contribute to a 2012 IRA as late as April 15, 2013. If the IRA is the traditional, tax-deductible kind, you can deduct your contributions on your 2012 tax return. If you're under age 50, the maximum contribution is $5,000; if you were 50 or older by December 31, 2012, you can contribute up to $6,000.

The "charitable IRA rollover" rule was extended through 2013, permitting taxpayers who are 70½ or older to use their IRA to donate up to $100,000 to charity. The donation must be made directly from the IRA to the charity, and it counts as part of the taxpayer's required minimum distribution for the year.

If you turned 70½ in 2013, remember that you're now required to take a minimum distribution from your IRA (and, unless you're still working, from other retirement plans also) every year. If you delayed taking your first distribution last year, you have only until April 1, 2013, to take it or you'll be subject to a 50% penalty on the amount you should have taken.

Converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is still an available option for all taxpayers. Although a conversion will generate taxable income in the year you do it, later qualifying withdrawals from the Roth will be tax-free. Your conversion opportunities are not limited to just traditional IRAs. You can also convert your 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan to a Roth.