Individual retirement accounts, also known as IRAs, are among the most popular retirement savings vehicles. According to a 2013 study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute, Americans own a collective 25 million individual retirement accounts. Those IRAs hold nearly $2.5 trillion in assets.1 There are many different types of IRAs, and each kind offers its own set of unique advantages. If you don’t currently own an IRA, you may be wondering which type is right for you. Even if you do own an IRA, you may be curious as to whether you should use a different type. Below is information on three of the most commonly used types of IRAs. Consider your own needs and goals before you choose the IRA that’s right for you. Consistent, regular contributions to an IRA could be the strategy that helps you meet your retirement savings goals.
Traditional IRA The traditional IRA is the most commonly held type of IRA, and it was also the first incarnation. Introduced in 1974, the traditional IRA has become popular largely because of its unique tax treatment. Contributions to your traditional IRA may be deductible, depending on your income. Growth in the account is tax-deferred, which means you don’t pay taxes until you take a distribution. All distributions from a traditional IRA are taxed as income. Also, you could pay a 10 percent early distribution penalty if you take a withdrawal before age 59½. While a traditional IRA offers upfront tax advantages, it creates taxable income in retirement. Roth IRA In recent years, the Roth IRA has become increasingly popular. It’s a newer variation that has a slightly different tax treatment than the traditional IRA. Unlike the traditional, the Roth doesn’t offer deductions for upfront contributions. Instead, distributions from the account are tax-free. The Roth is similar to the traditional in the sense that growth isn’t taxed as long as the funds stay in the account. The Roth also offers flexibility with regard to distributions. You can always withdraw your contributions from a Roth without facing taxes or penalties, even if you’re younger than 59½. Also, you aren’t forced to take required minimum distributions from a Roth at age 70½, as you are with a traditional IRA. A Roth can be an effective strategy for creating tax-free income in retirement. However, keep in mind that the Roth IRA contributions are capped above certain income levels. If you’re a high earner, you may not be able to use a Roth. SEP IRA The SEP IRA is designed specifically for small-business owners. Its high contribution limits allow business owners to save a large portion of their income. From a tax standpoint, it’s treated similar to a traditional IRA. Contributions are deductible, while distributions are taxable. Growth is not taxed as long as the funds stay in the account. The business’s employees are not allowed to contribute to the SEP, but the business owner can make tax-deductible contributions on their behalf. In some instances, the owner may be required to make contributions to employee accounts. Ready to develop your IRA savings strategy? Let’s talk about it. Contact us today at First Fidelity Group. We can help you analyze your needs and develop a strategy. Let’s connect soon and start the conversation. 1https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/planning-to-retire/2015/05/29/5-surprising-facts-about-iras Licensed Insurance Professional. This information is designed to provide a general overview with regard to the subject matter covered and is not state specific. The authors, publisher and host are not providing legal, accounting or specific advice for your situation. By providing your information, you give consent to be contacted about the possible sale of an insurance or annuity product. This information has been provided by a Licensed Insurance Professional and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting insurance professional. The statements and opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change at any time. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, presenting insurance professional makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal, tax or investment advice. 16831 - 2017/7/17 Comments are closed.
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