Ed Slott: You’re About to Pay WAY More Taxes in Retirement (Unless You Do This)

If you’re filing your taxes right now or planning ahead for 2026, this is one of the most important retirement and tax strategy conversations you can watch. In this interview, I sit down with Ed Slott, CPA and one of the leading experts on retirement accounts and tax planning, to break down the real impact of the new tax law changes and what they mean for your retirement, your Social Security taxes, and your long-term wealth. With major updates from recent legislation, including changes to the SALT deduction, new senior deductions, and evolving tax brackets, this tax season presents a rare window of opportunity. But it also comes with confusion, misinformation, and costly mistakes that could impact your financial future for decades. We cover exactly what’s changed, what’s temporary versus permanent, and how to take advantage of today’s lower tax rates before they potentially disappear. More importantly, we walk through real, actionable strategies you can use right now — during tax season — to reduce your lifetime tax bill, avoid common retirement tax traps, and position your portfolio for long-term tax efficiency. Topics covered in this video include: • The truth about “no tax on Social Security” and why many retirees are surprised at tax time • How the new $40,000 SALT deduction could significantly reduce your taxable income • Why most new deductions are “below the line” — and why that matters for your AGI, Medicare premiums (IRMAA), and Social Security taxation • The biggest Roth conversion mistakes people make — especially during their 50s, 60s, and early retirement years • Why this may be a “use it or lose it” tax window for Roth conversions and tax bracket optimization • How to strategically use low tax brackets today to avoid higher taxes from future RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) • The “gap years” strategy — one of the most powerful ways to reduce taxes before age 73–75 • Advanced strategies for business owners, including pass-through entity tax (PTET) and maximizing deductions • How inherited IRAs are taxed and the mistakes beneficiaries often make under the 10-year rule • Why unspent RMDs can quietly increase your tax burden over time • The best timing strategy for Roth conversions — and why December may be the most important month for tax planning This conversation is especially important if you’re approaching retirement, recently retired, or managing a large traditional IRA or 401(k). The decisions you make during this tax season — and over the next few years — could have a six-figure impact on your after-tax wealth. If you want to minimize taxes in retirement, optimize your Social Security strategy, and build a more tax-efficient income plan, this is a must-watch. 00:00 Intro – The New Tax Law That Changes Everything 00:54 Taxes Just Got More Complicated (Here’s Why) 03:31 The Biggest Myth: “No Tax on Social Security” 07:01 The Simple Way to Understand How Taxes Actually Work 09:27 What’s Temporary vs Permanent (And Why It Matters) 11:30 The SALT Deduction Shock ($10K → $40K) 14:24 How New Deductions Open the Door for Roth Conversions 17:19 The 3–5 Year Tax Window You Can’t Afford to Miss 19:06 The Biggest Roth Conversion Mistake (Doing Nothing) 20:20 Is This a “Use It or Lose It” Opportunity? 22:59 Advanced Strategy: Deducting State Taxes Through Your Business 25:33 Who Should Be Doing Roth Conversions Right Now 28:24 The “Gap Years” Strategy (Massive Tax Savings Opportunity) 29:57 Reverse Estate Planning (A Powerful Family Strategy) 33:34 The Inherited IRA Mistake Most People Make 35:23 Why RMDs Can Create a Hidden Tax Problem 37:02 How Far Is Too Far with Tax Optimization? 40:20 Why Lower Taxes Today = Bigger Future Opportunities 41:03 Breaking the Mental Barrier Around Roth Conversions 44:23 The Best Moves to Make in the Next 1–2 Years 44:52 The December Rule (When to Do Your Roth Conversion) Some of my favorite books: https://amzn.to/3KF3tlr Camera & equipment I use: https://amzn.to/3Z20lof Disclaimer: Please note that this video is made for entertainment purposes only and not to be taken as financial advice. Always make sure to do your own research. Join the family & subscribe to my channel here:    / erintalksmoney   Thanks for watching, I appreciate you!