IRAs are a type of savings account designed to help you put money away for retirement in a tax-advantaged way. Two of the most common types are traditional and Roth IRAs. How do you know which one you should invest in? There are several factors to consider, so let’s take a closer look at their similarities and differences to help you choose the best fit. 

Similarities Between Traditional & Roth IRAs

• Contribution limits: Total annual contributions to your traditional and Roth IRAs combined cannot exceed $6,500 if you are younger than 50 or $7,500 if you are age 50 or older.
• Contribution deadline: The deadline is the same as your tax return filing deadline (not including extensions).
• Withdrawals: You can withdraw money at any time, but distributions may be subject to tax and penalty. For traditional IRAs, withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent premature withdrawal penalty, unless an exception applies. For Roth IRAs, withdrawals of the principal are tax and penalty-free. If you are younger than 59½ and have had the account for less than five years, however, you may have to pay taxes and/or a penalty on any earnings withdrawn.
• Rollovers: Direct rollovers are accepted from outside qualified retirement plans (i.e., 401(k)s), and they may be taxable.

Some Key Differences Between Traditional & Roth IRAs

• Traditional IRAs
  • Contributions may be tax deductible, depending on your income level.
  • Contributions grow tax-deferred, meaning you pay taxes only when you withdraw the money.
  • You must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) at age 72.1
• Roth IRAs
  • Not everyone is eligible to contribute; income restrictions apply.
  • Contributions are not tax deductible. But distributions are tax-free if the account has been open for at least five years and the account owner is age 59½ or has qualified for an early withdrawal exception.
  • Roth IRAs do not have RMDs.

Questions?

There are many details to consider before deciding which account you would like to open, and it’s important to be well-informed before making a decision. If you have further questions regarding either type of IRA and which one would be best for you, please contact us. 

Johnathon Opet, CFP® is a financial advisor located at EmVision Capital Advisors, 251 W. Garfield Rd. ​Suite 155 Aurora, OH 44202. He offers securities and advisory services as an Investment Adviser Representative of Commonwealth Financial Network^®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. He can be reached at (330) 954-3770 or at info@emvisioncapital.com.

This material has been provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute either tax or legal advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a tax preparer, professional tax advisor, or lawyer.