An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a tax–advantaged retirement account that you own and control. Earnings generated can compound on a tax–deferred basis until withdrawal.
There are two types of IRAs: Traditional and Roth. Both types allow the same maximum annual contributions, based on your age. The maximum is reached when your combined contributions to all of your IRAs meets the limit. The two types of IRA differ in their qualifying criteria, withdrawal restrictions, and tax implications.
- Traditional IRAs offer potential for tax-deductible contributions depending on your income level, participation in a workplace retirement plan, and marital status. Otherwise, contributions may be made post–tax.
- Roth IRAs do not permit tax-deductible contributions. However, contributions with post-tax dollars can be withdrawn tax-free. If you are not eligible for tax-deductible contributions to a Traditional IRA due to a higher income, you may be eligible for a Roth IRA.
Compare Roth and Traditional IRAs side by side
| Traditional IRA |
Roth IRA |
|
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility: Age |
You must be under age 70 ½ in the year the contribution is made |
No age limit |
| Eligibility: Income |
No income restrictions |
Generally, you can contribute to a Roth IRA if you have taxable compensation based on IRS set Modified AGI guidelines which can be viewed here under the Roth IRA contribution limit header. |
| Maximum Annual Contribution |
Individual: $6,000 Married filing jointly: $12,000 (up to $6,000 each) |
Individual: $6,000 Married filing jointly: $12,000 (up to $6,000 each) |
| Catch up contribution |
If you are age 50 or older in the year of contribution, eligible IRA holders can make an additional contribution of $1,000 |
If you are age 50 or older in the year of contribution, eligible IRA holders can make an additional contribution of $1,000 |
| Tax Implications: Contributions |
May be tax deductible based on IRS guidelines which can be viewed here under the Claiming a tax deduction for your IRA contribution header. |
Contributions are not tax deductible |
| Tax Implications: Earnings |
Earnings are tax-deferred until withdrawn |
Earnings are not subject to federal tax penalties if withdrawn after age 59½ and held for 5 years Earnings are tax-free if taken as part of a qualifying withdrawal |
| Tax Implications: Withdrawals |
After age 59½, withdrawals are not subject to federal tax penalties, but may be subject to federal and state income taxes except under certain circumstances which can be found here. |
Contributions can be withdrawn at any time without penalty as long as held for five years except under certain circumstances which can be found here. |
| Age for Required Distributions |
Distributions must begin by April 1 of the year after turning age 70½. Required minimum distributions are determined by dividing the prior year–end fair market value of the retirement account by the applicable distribution period or life expectancy |
There is no mandatory age for taking distributions |
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Investment and certain insurance products, including annuities, are offered by RoyalPax Capital Bank Securities (USA) Inc. (HSI), member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. In California, HSI conducts insurance business as RoyalPax Capital Bank Securities Insurance Services. License #: OE67746. HSI is an affiliate of RoyalPax Capital Bank , N.A. Whole life, universal life, term life, and other types of insurance are provided by unaffiliated third parties and offered through RoyalPax Capital Bank Insurance Agency (USA) Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of RoyalPax Capital Bank , National Association. Products and services may vary by state and are not available in all states. California license #: OD36843.
ARE NOT A BANK DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF THE BANK OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES |
ARE NOT FDIC INSURED |
ARE NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY |
ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES |
MAY LOSE VALUE |
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All decisions regarding the tax implications of your investment(s) should be made in connection with your independent tax advisor.
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United States persons (including Global citizens and residents) are subject to Global taxation on their worldwide income and may be subject to tax and other filing obligations with respect to their Global and non–U.S. accounts – including, for example, Form TD F 90–22.1 (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts ("FBAR")). Global persons should consult a tax adviser for more information.
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