I have been having a discussion with my best friend about an IRS rule that used to apply to income averaging over a five or ten year period. This was used, IIRC, to help if one had a spike in income that was unexpected or a precipitious drop in income. This should not be confused with forward income averaging for lump sum payments which I know ended Dec 31,1999 unless one was born before the end of 1936. If anyone can remember any details of this rule and approx if and when it ended, I would appreciate your comments. I believe this ended about fifteen years ago but cannot recall well enough to be sure.

Thanks for your comments.