When saving for retirement, it often makes sense to contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans to take advantage of any available employer match opportunities. However, not everyone has access to an employer-sponsored plan. Even if you do, there are reasons you may want to consider using Traditional and Roth IRAs to supplement your retirement savings. There are important differences between the two types of accounts. Understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of each type of IRA can help you make more informed decisions.
Potential Benefits and Considerations
Regardless of which type of IRA you choose, the contribution limits are the same, although Roth IRAs contributions are subject to income limits. Traditional IRA contributions are not limited by income levels unless an employer-sponsored plan covers you or a spouse during the year of the contribution. In 2023, the total amount you can contribute to your Traditional and Roth IRA accounts is the lesser of your taxable compensation for the year or $6,500 ($7,500 for those age 50 or older.)
However, there are important differences in tax treatment for these accounts. If your income is below certain thresholds, you may be able to deduct some or all of your contributions to traditional IRAs, reducing your taxable income in the year of the contributions. Taxes on contributions and any growth are deferred until you begin withdrawing them. So, if your retirement tax bracket in retirement is lower than in your earning years, you may pay fewer taxes on your retirement dollars. In contrast, you cannot deduct contributions to a Roth IRA – those are after-tax contributions. However, qualified distributions from Roth IRAs are not subject to federal income taxes, potentially lowering your tax burden in your retirement years. Generally speaking, Roth IRAs may make sense for investors who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in their retirement than in their working years. And, unlike Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs are not subject to IRS Minimum Required Distribution rules, giving account owners more control over deciding when to access and use their retirement accounts.
Roth IRA Conversions
If the idea of using a Roth IRA to supplement your retirement savings appeals to you, but you do not meet the income limits to contribute to one, you may want to consider making nondeductible contributions to a Traditional IRA and then converting the account to a Roth IRA. There are no income limits for Roth IRA conversions.
A Roth conversion changes an existing traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth IRA, converting the assets so they will grow on a tax-free basis rather than a tax-deferred one. However, the catch is that you must pay income taxes on any previously untaxed amount converted in the year of conversion. There are rules specifying that you must leave converted dollars in the Roth IRA account for at least five years before withdrawing them. Withdrawing them before the five years are up may subject you to a 10 percent penalty on the withdrawn amount.
Seek Guidance and Weigh Your Options Carefully
Ultimately, there is no bright-line test to determine whether a Traditional or a Roth IRA is best. The answer depends on your current situation and anticipated circumstances in your retirement years.
Contact CF Financial to learn about different retirement planning vehicles and explore whether a Roth IRA may make sense for you.