# Do You Know More Retirement Tax Rules Than This Gen Z Worker?
Kiplinger tested a 28-year-old non-finance professional on five retirement tax questions. The quiz covers rules that affect millions of savers but stump many workers.
The test focuses on practical retirement account mechanics. Topics likely include contribution limits for 401(k)s and IRAs, which hit $23,500 and $7,000 respectively in 2024. Early withdrawal penalties, required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73, and tax-deferred versus taxable account treatment appear standard in these assessments.
Retirement tax rules shift constantly. The SECURE Act 2.0, passed in late 2022, changed RMD ages and expanded catch-up contributions. Many workers miss these updates. A 28-year-old earner faces 37 years until retirement, meaning tax optimization compounds dramatically. Small mistakes in IRA rollovers or backdoor Roth strategy cost thousands.
Most people avoid studying retirement taxes until crisis hits. A spouse inherits an IRA. An employer cuts 401(k) matching. A worker switches jobs and suddenly owes taxes on a botched rollover. The quiz catches these blind spots before they become expensive.
Younger workers especially benefit from early knowledge. A 28-year-old who understands catch-up contributions gains clarity on long-term savings capacity. Someone who grasps Roth conversion mechanics can plan decades ahead. Ignoring these rules costs compound growth.
The Kiplinger quiz runs short and free. Taking it forces honest self-assessment. Scoring well means you understand contribution phases, withdrawal rules, and tax-deferral mechanics. Scoring poorly signals time to read your plan documents or consult a CPA before filing taxes.
These rules determine how much money savers actually