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Retirement Taxes Cornerstone Guide

The Retirement Tax Planning Guide

Taxes don't stop in retirement. Understanding how they work can help you keep more of every dollar you've saved.

Updated June 8, 2026 11 min readRetirement Taxes
Original infographic in development: The Retirement Tax Planning Guide

Taxes are one of the largest expenses many retirees face, yet they're often an afterthought. How you draw income can change what you owe.

This cornerstone guide explains the tax basics every retiree should understand. It is educational only and not tax advice — please consult a qualified tax professional.

The three types of accounts

Taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free — and why the mix matters.

Withdrawal order and tax efficiency

How the sequence you tap accounts affects your lifetime tax bill.

Taxation of Social Security

How much of your benefits may be taxable and what drives it.

Required minimum distributions

When RMDs begin and how they affect your taxes.

Roth conversions

How converting can shift future taxes, and the trade-offs to weigh.

This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Tim Hartle is an independent insurance professional. Annuity guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company and are not FDIC insured. Rules and product features vary by situation and by state. Please consult a qualified advisor about your own circumstances.

Frequently Asked

Does Florida tax retirement income?

Florida has no state income tax, so your retirement income isn't taxed at the state level. Federal income tax still applies.

What is a required minimum distribution?

An RMD is the minimum amount you must withdraw each year from tax-deferred accounts, generally starting at age 73 under current rules.

Are Roth conversions a good idea?

They can reduce future taxes for some retirees, but they create a tax bill now. Whether one fits depends on your situation — talk to a tax professional.

Apply This to Your Own Plan

Schedule your complimentary, no-pressure Retirement Income Review with Tim. Call (727) 692-5866 or book below.

Annuities are insurance contracts. Guarantees, including guaranteed lifetime income benefits where available, are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Product features, fees, withdrawal restrictions, and surrender charges vary by contract.