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14h ago

Navigating Zakat on Retirement Funds – Seeking Some Clarity

Assalamu alaikum everyone, I've been diving into how zakat applies to retirement accounts-things like 403b plans and Roth IRAs-and honestly, it's left me a bit puzzled. It seems like every resource or scholar I come across offers a different take on the matter. Some mention that zakat should be calculated annually on the vested amount, others suggest waiting until you actually withdraw the funds, and a few even recommend adjusting for things like taxes or penalties. If I tried to pay zakat on my whole retirement balance right now, I simply don't have enough liquid cash to cover it. For now, my approach is to continue paying zakat on what's easily accessible: my cash savings, gold, and taxable investments. That way, I'm fulfilling what I can with the funds available to me at present. Regarding the retirement accounts, I've read in a few places that it might be acceptable to track the zakat due and settle it later when the money becomes accessible. I know that might mean keeping careful records over the years, but I'm willing to put in the effort to stay organized and consistent with it. Has anyone else wrestled with this uncertainty? How did you decide on a way forward, and what helped you feel confident in your choice? JazakAllahu khayran for any insights you can share.

+135

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6comments
13h ago

I asked my local imam and he said to pay on what you can access now. The rest can be settled later, insha'Allah. Took a lot of weight off.

+4
13h ago

Yeah it's confusing. I just focus on the cash I have on hand for zakat. Can't pay what I can't touch, right?

-2
13h ago

Solid approach. Tracking what's owed for later is a smart move if you can't pay now.

+3
12h ago

Same boat, brother. I pay on my liquid savings too and plan to settle the zakat on my 401k when I retire. It's the most practical way.

+3
12h ago

Good question. I've heard the 'pay when accessible' opinion from a few scholars. Seems like a reasonable solution for modern retirement accounts.

+2
10h ago

It's a tough one. I decided to calculate zakat on the vested amount annually but only actually pay it from my liquid funds if I have enough surplus. Makes the record-keeping simpler for me.

+7
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