Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can be a great option for retirement savings — as either a primary source or a supplement to a work-sponsored plan (like a 401(k)). Two of the most common IRAs are the Traditional and Roth IRA.

Both are available to anyone over the age of 18, allow a maximum contribution of $6,000 annually ($7,000 if over age 50)¹, and allow you to withdraw money at any time (although, you may pay penalties and taxes on the money if you’re under 59½).

Before choosing one over the other, there are tax differences and income limits you should be aware of.
 

What is a Traditional IRA? 

It’s a retirement plan that you contribute pre-tax money into. Pre-tax means you’re not taxed on your contribution the year you make it. For example, if you make $60,000 a year and contribute the maximum of $6,000 to a traditional IRA, your taxable income for the year will be $54,000.

Your tax deduction can however be limited if you also have a workplace retirement plan. And if you file taxes as a single person making between $65,000-$75,000, you can only take a partial tax deduction. (See how the IRS determines your deduction eligibility here.)

All of your contributions grow tax-deferred until you take the money out in retirement. Once you begin making withdrawals, you’ll pay taxes on that money at whatever your current tax rate is.

A traditional IRA is usually a good choice if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement because you’ll pay fewer taxes when you withdraw the money. However, it’s important to note that you are required to take minimum distributions at age 72 (if you were born after June 30, 1949) or age 70½ (if you were born before July 1, 1949). ²  If you have earned income, you can continue making contributions regardless of your age.
 

What is a Roth IRA? 

With a Roth IRA, you contribute post-tax dollars, meaning you pay the taxes upfront in the year you contribute. Your contributions are not tax-deductible, but you can take withdrawals of your contributions at any time (penalty and taxfree).³ Also, the earnings on your contributions will generally be tax-free in retirement when you make qualified withdrawals.⁴

There are income limits to be aware of. For example, if you’re a single income household and you make more than $139,000, you can’t contribute to a Roth IRA at all. (You’ll find the full list of contribution limits at the IRS website here.)

And unlike a traditional IRA, you’re never required to take minimum distributions from your Roth IRA if you originally opened the account.

Quick Comparison Chart - Contribution limits for 2020 

Tax penalties for early withdrawals 

To dissuade you from taking money out before retirement, in most cases, the IRS penalizes you for withdrawals before the age of 59½. Typically, there’s a 10% early withdrawal tax if you don’t qualify for an exception.

Under a traditional IRA, the early withdrawal tax applies to the withdrawal of your contributions and earnings. Plus, the money you take out is counted as income for the year, so you’ll pay income taxes on top of the 10% fee.

Unlike a traditional IRA, the early withdrawal tax penalty does not apply to the withdrawal of your contributions to a Roth IRA but will apply to the earnings portion of the withdrawal.
 

Choose the IRA that’s right for you 

To recap, a traditional IRA typically gives you an immediate tax benefit at time of contribution, but you’ll pay taxes on that money (and earnings) when you make a withdrawal (most likely, at a lower tax bracket.). With a Roth IRA, there is no upfront tax advantage, but you’ll pay no tax on the earnings on your contributions⁵ when you make qualified withdrawals.⁶ No matter which you choose, you can feel good knowing you’ve taken a great step in planning for your future and a retirement lifestyle on your terms.