• Advantages and Disadvantages of Roth IRAs

  • Saving for retirement is critical to financial security. The use of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs has long been the go-to vehicle for individuals to do just that. ROTH IRAs specifically have some unique benefits.

    Even though Roth IRAs have been around for more than a decade, many people are not aware of exactly how they work. They also may not know that there are no income restrictions in place to convert a traditional IRA into a Roth.

    If you qualify, you can make a contribution to a Roth IRA of $6,000 in 2020 or $7,000 if you are age 50 or older (unchanged from 2019).

    Here are the basic advantages and disadvantages of the accounts, as well as how they differ from traditional IRAs.

    Advantages Disadvantages
    Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free as long as the account has been open at least five years and you are age 59 1/2 or older. In contrast, withdrawals from a traditional IRA are taxable. This includes previously untaxed earnings and appreciation. Roth IRA contributions are not tax deductible so you do not get a benefit on your current tax return. In contrast, contributions to a traditional IRA are deductible for qualified individuals. (Traditional IRA eligibility for tax breaks depends on your income and whether you — or your spouse, if filing jointly — are covered by an employer's retirement plan.)
    Age-based distributions are not required so the account can continue to grow tax-free for decades and can be passed on to your heirs tax free. In contrast, a traditional IRA requires you to begin taking withdrawals at age 72 (previously age 70 1/2) or face steep penalties. Contributions do not reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI), which may make you eligible for other tax breaks. In contrast, contributions to a traditional IRA do reduce your AGI if you meet certain qualifications.
    You can make contributions to your Roth IRA after you reach age 72 if you have earned income. In contrast, individuals age 72 (previously age 70 1/2) or older can't make contributions to a traditional IRA. Since some individuals may never live to see retirement age, they might not experience and enjoy the tax benefits of a Roth IRA.
    You can still contribute to a Roth IRA even if you participate in other qualified retirement plans. You cannot contribute to a Roth if your income is above certain limits. For 2020, eligibility to make annual Roth contributions is phased out between modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $124,000 and $139,000 for unmarried individuals. For married joint filers, the 2019 phase-out range is between joint MAGI of $193,000 and $203,000 (in 2019 the ranges were $122,000 to $137,000 and $193,000 to $203,000 respectively). 
    Spouses or beneficiaries of deceased Roth IRA owners can combine the inherited funds with their own Roth IRA accounts without a penalty. Congress could decide to change the tax-free withdrawal allowance for Roth IRAs in the future, although this scenario is unlikely.

     

    This chart only covers some of the advantages and disadvantages of Roth IRAs. The complexity of the tax laws covering traditional and Roth IRAs can make it difficult to decide between the options. We can help you navigate the best way to make contributions to retirement accounts to maximize the tax benefits and your future financial security. 

     

     

    The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the ¬purpose of ¬avoiding any ¬federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent tax or legal professional. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the ¬purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Checkpoint Marketing.