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IRA 101: Know the Facts

Published: May 4, 2021

IRA 101: Know the Facts

Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of the most common assets people rely on to save and invest for retirement. If you’re thinking of opening an IRA for the first time, it’s a good idea to review the rules. Even if you have had an IRA for years, note that laws change.

The Different Types of IRAs

There are two main types of IRA accounts to choose from: Traditional and Roth.The timing of the tax advantages is the main difference between the two. For a traditional IRA, contributions are tax deductible and tax is paid upon withdrawal. Roth IRA contributions are taxed in the year they are made, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Both types are almost equally popular:

  • 36% of American households have Roth IRAs*
  • 35% of American households have traditional IRAs*
  • 26% of American households contribute to both*

There are also employer-sponsored IRAs. These may fall into either of the two categories.

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Contribution Limits

The IRS set a 2020 annual limit of $6,000 for people under 50 years old. People who are 50 years and older can make a total contribution of $7,000. What some breadwinners do to maximize contributions is to file joint tax returns and open a second account for their spouses. They then make additional contributions to this account. The IRS states that the combined contribution cannot exceed the lesser of the couple’s taxable income or the contributor’s individual limit times two.

Eligibility

The IRS considers net income from self-employment, gross wages and gross salaries as qualifying income. Too much income, however, and IRA contributions can get reduced or prohibited altogether:

  • Qualifying Widower or Married Filing Jointly: The regular contribution rules apply up to $196,000. From $196,000 to $206,000, the IRS reduces the contribution limit. No contributions are allowed after $206,000. 
  • Single, Married Filing Separately (did not live together) or Head-of-household: Filers who earn less than $124,000 follow the usual contribution rules. More than this up to $139,000, the IRS reduces the contribution limit and after $139,000, contributing is not allowed.
  • Married Filing Separately (lived together): The IRS reduces the contribution amount for less than $10,000 and prohibits contributions for $10,000 in income or more.

Tax Deductions

How much income you make determines how much of your total contribution you can deduct from your taxable income and whether or not your contribute to an employer sponsored retirement plan:

  • Qualifying Widower or Married Filing Jointly: Filers who make $104,000 or less can take tax deductions up to the full contribution limit. More than this up to less than $124,000, people can get a partial deduction. Beyond this, there is no deduction. 
  • Single or Head-of-household: For total incomes of $65,000 or less, the individual can take the full deduction. More than this up to less than $75,000, there is only a partial deduction. Beyond $75,000, there is no deduction.
  • Married Filing Separately: There is a partial deduction for income up to $10,000. After $10,000, there is no deduction.

Distributions

Like any retirement account, you do not need to wait until retirement to claim your distributions. Here’s what you need to know:

  • There is no penalty for traditional IRA withdrawals after reaching age 59 and a half.
  • Traditional IRA distributions get taxed at the rate that is current at the time of withdrawal.
  • Roth withdrawals are not taxed because taxes were already paid upfront.
  • Roth IRAs do not have mandatory withdrawal rules, but traditional IRAs require distributions by April 1st of the year you turn 72 or there are considerable tax penalties.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing and funding a specific type of IRA account. This is why speaking directly with a financial professional is so important.

If you'd like to review your retirement portfolio with a financial planning professional, contact our partners at Fellows Financial Group.

Fellows Financial Group advisors are available to assit all USSFCU members with their financial planning needs. Simply give them a call, send them an email or select a time to meet virtually for a one-on-one.

Schedule Appointment >>

571.205.1515  |  [email protected]

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Article Sources 

* https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/110116/6-surprising-facts-about-retirement.asp

  1. Different Types: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/roth-or-traditional-ira-account
  2. Contribution Limits: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras-contributions
  3. Eligibility: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-ira-contribution-limits
  4. Tax Deductions: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/2020-ira-contribution-and-deduction-limits-effect-of-modified-agi-on-deductible-contributions-if-you-are-covered-by-a-retirement-plan-at-work

Article Disclaimers

Traditional IRAs are funded with tax-deductible contributions in which any earnings are tax deferred until withdrawn, usually after retirement age. Unless certain criteria are met, IRS penalties and income taxes may apply on any withdrawals taken from Traditional IRAs prior to age 59 ½. RMDs (required minimum distributions) must generally be taken by the account holder within the year after turning 72.

The Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Withdrawals from the account may be tax-free, as long as they are considered qualified. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change.

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC. This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.

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