The Retirement and IRA Show IRMAA Brackets and QLACs: Q&A #2548
Nov 29, 2025
Listeners dive into the intricacies of IRMAA and QLACs. Questions arise about how income fluctuations impact future IRMAA brackets and strategies for offsetting RMDs with QLAC payouts. Ideal candidates for QLACs are discussed, with emphasis on securing a stable income in later life. The hosts explore when and how to purchase QLACs, including key features and timing considerations. Personal insights into annuitization choices add a relatable touch to the financial topics.
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Episode notes
Turkey Talk Before Finance
- Jim and Chris bantered extensively about Thanksgiving turkey, brining, and cooking methods as light show filler.
- The hosts used these anecdotes to create rapport before diving into IRMAA and QLAC topics.
No SSA Contact Needed For Lower AGI
- You do not need to contact SSA if your 2024 AGI is lower and that lower return will determine your 2026 IRMAA automatically.
- Only file SSA-44 if you have a defined life-changing event and need current-year income used instead.
Brackets Change, Not The Lookback Year
- IRMAA uses the income tax return from two years prior but applies the IRMAA brackets in effect for the year of the surcharge.
- That means modestly higher 2025 income can still avoid 2027 IRMAA if brackets are inflation-indexed.