Is There Anything Better Than a Roth IRA?
Roth IRAs provide investors with several benefits. Most significantly are tax-free withdrawals and investment growth potential.
Roth IRAs offer many advantages depending on your priorities: access to funds now versus potential tax savings down the line. Here are a few key points you should keep in mind.
Tax-Free Withdrawals
Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals if you abide by their rules. Investment earnings (interest, dividends and capital gains) should remain in the account until reaching your contribution limit; early withdrawal could take days before returning back into your checking or savings account and could mean missing out on years of compounded growth tax free!
When withdrawing earnings before reaching 59 1/2, there will be a 10% penalty plus taxes assessed. However, disabled or those facing certain financial hardships may get their money without penalty. For more in-depth advice about withdrawals, meet one of our TurboTax Full Service experts; they’ll prepare, sign, and file your taxes to give you peace of mind that everything is done correctly. For more information and an in-depth discussion on this subject matter – book a call back with them today to learn more and arrange a callback!
Tax-Free Growth
Roth accounts are tax-deferred investments, though any withdrawals you take out (typically during retirement) are taxed at your income tax rate.
Roth IRAs offer significant tax-cutting advantages for those who anticipate being in higher tax brackets in retirement than now. Most investors who use Roth IRAs are younger and anticipate that their income will significantly outstrip that which it currently is.
Roth accounts offer more investment choices than traditional IRAs, such as real estate, partnerships and franchise businesses. Not all financial institutions provide every possible Roth investment option available. Do your research before choosing the firm that will manage your account as different firms may have different minimum requirements, fees and terms, including differing minimum required balances and inactivity fees. You should also ensure they have an established track record that supports your specific investment objectives.
No Required Minimum Distributions
Roth IRAs do not require you to take minimum distributions (RMDs) when they reach age 70; by comparison, traditional IRAs require them.
Which Roth or traditional IRA will work better for you depends on both your current income tax bracket and anticipated retirement earnings rates. Assuming a higher expected tax rate in retirement, Roth accounts are more likely to provide greater advantages.
At age 59 and 1/2, withdrawals of investment earnings from a Roth IRA should typically be tax-free. Any early withdrawal penalties could apply as well.
No Age Limit
Roth IRAs can be set up for minors as long as they have earned income, such as babysitting or working full-time at an job that provides pay stubs. Parents can open what’s known as a custodial Roth for their children and contribute based on what their earnings are.
The ideal time and way for you to invest in a Roth IRA depends on both your tax bracket and expected retirement tax rate. If you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket at retirement, investing now in a Roth is often advantageous.
Roth IRA withdrawals don’t count towards your Medicare premiums upon retirement – another great reason for opening one! That makes Roths more tax efficient than traditional and 401(k) withdrawals, which do count towards premiums.
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