Tax rates and how can a spouse be added to the calculator?

[frp user]

Jim:

Very interesting tool. Two questions please: (1) Is the "tax rate" the average or the marginal? and (2) What way can a spouse be added to the calculator?

Thank you for the use of the tool.

[admin]

Hello,

I'm glad you're finding the planner useful.

The investment tax rate is an average tax rate. I multiply the annual portfolio growth by this rate to compute taxes due. Also, I do the same with income tax rate if you have retirement income sources that are taxable, so that too is an average rate.

As far as using the tool to model retirement with a spouse, the main issue comes up when there's a big age difference and some assets are available for penalty free withdrawal while others aren't. Otherwise, the additional inputs tab should give you the flexibility you need to model most situations. even when spouses retire in different years. Is there a specific situation that you're finding the planner can't handle?

Jim