Tim and Tammy are the same age and have greatly enjoyed their life. They began taking Social Security benefits in 2016 at age 67 and are living off their benefits and a small amount ($1,050) of municipal bond interest. They have been able to save money in an IRA which they have contributed to over the years. The balance at the end of 2020 was $640,000.

1. Assuming their combined Social Security benefits are $36,500 in 2021, how much of their Social Security benefit is taxable? How much federal income tax do they have for 2021? Only consider their municipal bond income and their Social Security.

2. Assume the same facts as in question 1, but also assume that Tammy took a job making $21,000 for 2021. They do not need the money, but Tammy wanted to help out and get out of the house. How much of their Social Security benefit is taxable? How much federal income tax do they have for 2021?

3. Assume the same facts as in questions 1 and 2. However, near the end of the year, Tammy receives a call from their broker who reminds them that they have a minimum distribution for 2021. How much of their Social Security benefit is taxable? How much federal income tax do they have for 2021?

4. Assume the same facts as in questions 1, 2, and 3. However, when Tammy took the job, she decided to defer $19,000 into her employer's 401(k) plan. How much of their Social Security benefit is taxable? How much federal income tax do they have for 2021?

5. Would deferral of most of Tammy's income into the 401(k) plan be a reasonable strategy for reducing the taxation of Social Security benefits?

6. How would converting the traditional IRA to a Roth IRA before minimum distributions began or before Social Security benefits started impact the current taxation of their Social Security benefits?

ANSWER QUESTIONS 4-6 Only