Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are tax-advantaged savings programs that allow you to begin saving for your retirement, whether you are starting your first job or you are nearing the end of your professional career.
It’s never too early to start planning for your future. USSFCU can help you devise a savings strategy that best serves your retirement goals. USSFCU offers both Traditional and Roth IRAs, each of which has its own distinct tax advantages. Call us today to find an IRA savings strategy that works best for you.
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Retirement Central is an excellent resource for any stage of retirement planning. Learn about different types of IRAs, determine your eligibility to contribute, open accounts and perform transactions. Retirement calculators and other tools are available to simplify the process.
Deciding which retirement savings options are best for you and your family? Give us a call or visit one of our convenient branches. For more info, click on the button below.
USSFCU offers both Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs to help its members save for retirement. Either may be opened as a savings account or a term certificate. Despite some different characteristics detailed in the comparison below, both Traditional and Roth IRAs at USSFCU share the following common elements:
- Competitive dividend rates above standard savings rates
- No set up fees or monthly/annual maintenance fees
- A very low $5 minimum balance
- The ability to purchase Share Certificate(s) with IRA funds
- A $6,000 per year contribution limit1 2020 and 2021 contribution limit
- Additional $1,000 “catch-up” contributions allowed for members ages 50 and above
Which approach is best for you? Traditional, Roth, or both? Give us a call and we’ll help you chart the best course for you and your family!
1 Annual contribution amount may change.
The main difference between Traditional and Roth IRAs, both of which are tax-advantaged retirement savings tools, is how these accounts are treated by the tax code.
A Traditional IRA from USSFCU may accept contributions of pre-tax or after-tax dollars and the dividends grow tax-deferred. When you make withdrawals after age 59½, they are treated as current income. In addition, contributions are potentially tax deductible depending on your filing status and income.
A Roth IRA from USSFCU is funded only with after-tax income. Therefore, contributory funds may be withdrawn at any time without tax penalties. When members make qualified withdrawals from their Roth IRAs after age 59½, earnings are not taxed.
Aside from these fundamental differences, Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs also differ in a few other ways, which are described below.
Traditional IRAs
- Anyone under age 72 with earned income may open a Traditional IRA
- Contributions are deductible from state and federal tax*
- Earnings are tax deferred until withdrawal
- Withdrawals may begin at age 59½ and are mandatory at age 72 when members are often in a lower tax bracket
- Early withdrawals are subject to penalty**
Roth IRAs
- No age limits for eligibility
- Eligibility is subject to income limits based on filing status
- Contributions are NOT tax deductible
- No penalty for early withdrawal of contributory funds
- Early withdrawals on earnings subject to penalty**
- Earnings are 100% tax free on qualified distributions
- No mandatory distribution age
*Subject to some minimal conditions. Consult a tax advisor.
**Certain exceptions apply, such as qualifying higher education expenses, first time home purchases, etc.
The Traditional and Roth Contribution Limits are the same for 2020 and 2021:
Total contributions to all of an individual’s Traditional and Roth IRAs may not be more than:
- $6,000 ($7,000 if you're age 50 or older),
- Or your taxable compensation for the year, if your compensation was less than this dollar limit.
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act:
- Raised the age at which individuals must begin taking RMDs from their retirement accounts to 72.
- Allows taxpayers with earned income to make Traditional IRA contributions at any age.