Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that offers the opportunity for tax-free income in retirement. Annual contributions are taxed upfront and all earnings are federal tax-free when they are distributed according to IRS rules. This is much different than a Traditional IRA, which taxes withdrawals. Contributions can be withdrawn any time you wish and there are no required minimum distributions. If you are in a lower tax bracket today than you will be during retirement, a Roth IRA may be a smart choice.
Benefits of a Roth IRA
- Withdrawals of earnings are free from federal income tax, provided the Roth IRA has been in existence for five years and you are at least 59½.
- Contributions can be withdrawn anytime without federal income taxes or penalties.
- RMDs (Required Minimum Distribution) are not required.
- Distributions for your beneficiaries are tax-free.
Traditional IRA
A Traditional IRA is an individual retirement account that may provide tax benefits because contributions may be tax deductible. Investment earnings can also grow tax-deferred until withdrawn, typically at retirement. You may contribute up to $6,000 of earned income ($7,000 if you are age 50 or older), but bear in mind that you must begin taking an annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) at age 73 (unless you turned 72 prior to January 1, 2023, then your RMD’s must begin by 72. Those who turned 70 1/2 prior to January 1, 2020 had to start RMD’s at 70 1/2). Withdrawals are penalty-free and taxed as ordinary income when taken after age 59½. If you are in a higher tax bracket today than you will be during retirement, a Traditional IRA may be a smart choice.
Benefits of a Traditional IRA
- Contributions to a Traditional IRA may be tax deductible (depending on income level).
- Earnings can grow federal tax-deferred.
- Starting in tax year 2020, a Traditional IRA is available to everyone who earns income.
Rollover IRA
Rolling over old 401ks to an IRA can make managing your retirement easier while still offering tax-deferred growth.
The Difference between a Roth IRA & a Traditional IRA
A Roth IRA and Traditional IRA are both good retirement accounts to consider and offer many investment options as you plan for your future. However, there are several key differences to keep in mind when determining which account makes the most sense for your particular needs.
Roth
EnrichA Roth IRA allows you to make after-tax contributions to our growing community.
Best suited for:
An individual who expects to be in a higher tax bracket when he or she starts taking withdrawals
TAXES
Contributions grow:
tax-free (1)
Tax-deductibility:
No, gives you no current-year tax benefits
CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions come from:
After-tax dollars
Max Contributions for 2023:
$6,500 ($7,500 if you are over age 50) For tax year 2022: $6,000 ($7,000 if you are over the age of 50)
Contribution eligibility:
Those with earned income below a certain level
Contribution age restriction:
None
WITHDRAWALS
Penalties:
Penalty- and tax-free after 5 years and age 59½
Mandatory distributions:
None
Traditional
Support speA Traditional IRA may allow you to make pre-tax contributions.
Best suited for:
An individual who expects to be in the same or lower tax bracket when he or she starts taking withdrawals
TAXES
Contributions grow:
Tax-deferred
Tax-deductibility:
Yes, gives you immediate tax benefits (subject to income limitations for participants in employer-sponsored plans)
CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions come from:
Those with earned income below a certain level
Max Contributions for 2023:
$6,500 ($7,500 if you are over age 50) For tax year 2022: $6,000 ($7,000 if you are over the age of 50)
Contribution eligibility:
Anyone with earned income
Contribution age restriction:
None
WITHDRAWALS
Penalties:
Penalty-free but taxed as current income after age 59½
Mandatory distributions:
After age 73
(1) With a Roth IRA, contributions are not tax-deductible, but earnings can grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are tax- and penalty-free. Roth IRA withdrawal and penalty rules vary depending on your age and how long you’ve had the account and other factors. Before making a Roth IRA withdrawal, keep in mind the following guidelines, to avoid a potential 10% early withdrawal penalty:
- Withdrawals must be taken after age 59½.
- Withdrawals must be taken after a five-year holding period.
- There are exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty, such as a first-time home purchase, college expenses, and birth or adoption expenses.
Age 59 and under
You can withdraw contributions you made to your Roth IRA anytime, tax- and penalty-free. However, you may have to pay taxes and penalties on earnings in your Roth IRA.
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA you’ve had less than five years.
If you take a distribution of Roth IRA earnings before you reach age 59½ and before the account is five years old, the earnings may be subject to taxes and penalties. You may be able to avoid penalties (but not taxes) in the following situations:
- You use the withdrawal (up to a $ 10,000-lifetime maximum) to pay for a first-time home purchase.
- You use the withdrawal to pay for qualified education expenses.
- You use the withdrawal for qualified expenses related to a birth or adoption.
- You become disabled or pass away.
- You use the withdrawal to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses or health insurance if you’re unemployed.
- The distribution is made in substantially equal periodic payments.1
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA you’ve had more than five years.
If you’re under age 59½ and your Roth IRA has been open for five years or more,1 your earnings will not be subject to taxes if you meet one of the following conditions:
- You use the withdrawal (up to a $ 10,000 lifetime maximum) to pay for a first-time home purchase.
- You become disabled or pass away.
Over age 59½
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA you’ve had less than five years.
If you haven’t met the five-year holding requirement, your earnings will be subject to taxes but not penalties.
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA you’ve had more than five years.
If you’ve met the five-year holding requirement, you can withdraw money from a Roth IRA with no taxes or penalties.
Remember that unlike a Traditional IRA, with a Roth IRA there are no Required Minimum Distributions.
For all ages
If you transfer your Traditional or Roth IRA and request that the check be made payable to you, you have up to 60 days to deposit that check into another IRA without taxes or penalties. This is known as a “nontaxable rollover,” and you can do this once within a 12-month period.
The above should not be considered tax advice. For actual tax advice please talk to your tax professional.