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Whether a young or seasoned professional, the prospect of retirement — where you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor — is enticing. However, reaching this stage requires careful planning and saving, a process where Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) prove instrumental.
IRAs are long-term, tax-advantaged retirement accounts that help you save for the future. They also offer flexibility and a chance to watch your money grow.
You might wonder, “Are there different types of IRAs?” Yes, there are 3 types of IRAs, each tailored to a particular income earner. Read on to learn about different IRA types, how they work, and their features and benefits to see which might be appropriate for you and how to get started saving.
Traditional IRA
A Traditional IRA is one of the types of IRA accounts designed to help individuals build their retirement nest egg while enjoying some valuable tax benefits.
- Eligibility: To open a Traditional IRA, you need to have earned income, which includes wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income. Unlike some account types, there are no age limits for contributing to a Traditional IRA.
- Tax Advantages and Deductions: Traditional accounts offer tax-deferred growth, meaning earnings grow tax-free until you start withdrawing them during retirement.
- Contribution Limits and Deadlines: The maximum contribution to an IRA is $6,500 per year for people under 50 and $7,500 per year for people 50 or older. The deadline to make contributions for a given tax year is typically April 15th of the following year.
- Distributions and Penalties: You can withdraw funds penalty-free at 59½, but before then, you’ll pay a 10% penalty plus income tax. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) start at 72.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is another type of IRA account offering unique advantages and tax benefits.
- Eligibility: To open a Roth IRA, you must have earned and be under certain income limits. The income limits for 2023 are $153,000 for single filers and $228,000 for married couples filing jointly. There is no age restriction for contributions.
- Tax-Free Withdrawals and Contributions: A Roth IRA is an after-tax type of individual retirement account with tax-free withdrawals. Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars. It’s a great option if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
- Savings Limitations and Deadlines: The maximum Roth IRA contribution is $6,500 ($7,500 for those over 50), and the deadline is April 15th of the following year.
- Distributions and Penalties: Roth is more flexible than a traditional fund. You can access your savings at any time without penalties or taxes. However, you can only withdraw earnings tax-free after age 59½ and five years. It also has no RMDs, making it a good option for passing on wealth. These are some of the key differences between Traditional vs. Roth IRAs.
SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension)
A SEP IRA is one of the different types of IRA plans specifically designed for small business owners and the self-employed.
- Eligibility: Business owners can set up a SEP IRA to save for retirement. The contribution rate must be the same for the owner and employees.
- Contribution Limits and Deadlines: SEP IRA contributions are limited to 25% of your compensation or $66,000, whichever is less. Tax-deductible contributions are typically due by the tax filing deadline, including extensions.
- Tax Benefits for Business Owners: A sole proprietor can deduct the contribution on their personal tax return, whereas a business taxed as a C, S, or multi-member LLC, partnership, or partnership can deduct the contribution as a business expense.
- Distributions and Rules: Simplified Employee Pension IRA withdrawals are taxed as regular income, and penalty-free distributions can begin at age 59½. RMDs start at age 72, like a Traditional IRA. Early withdrawals before age 59½ may result in a 10% penalty in addition to income tax, making it advisable to leave your funds untouched until retirement.
You may wonder, “How are individual retirement accounts different from a 401K?”
The main difference between a 401k and an IRA is that employers offer a 401k, while individuals open IRAs through a broker or a bank. The IRA advantage is it offers more investment choices, although 401(k)s allow more significant annual contributions.
Choosing the Right IRA for You
Selecting the right retirement planning option hinges on a few crucial factors. Here’s what to consider:
- Your Financial Situation: If you’re in a high tax bracket now, a traditional IRA tax deduction may be better. If you expect higher taxes in retirement, a Roth IRA’s tax-free withdrawals could be more advantageous.
- Income and Age: There are income limits for Roths but no age restrictions for either Traditional or SEP IRAs. If you’re self-employed or run a small business, the SEP IRA can be an attractive choice.
- Contribution Limits: For Traditional and Roth accounts, the maximum is $6,500 ($7,500 if 50 or older). In contrast, Simplified Employee Pension IRA, higher IRA contributions are limits based on a percentage of your earnings.
- IRA Withdrawal Rules: Roth allows more flexibility with penalty-free withdrawals, while Traditional and SEP IRAs have age-related withdrawal requirements.
- Tax Implications: IRA tax planning is a critical aspect when analyzing the different individual retirement account types. Traditional options provide immediate tax deductions, while Roth and SEP IRAs offer tax advantages in the future, either through tax-free withdrawals or lower taxable income for business owners.
Common Questions and Concerns
As you explore the world of retirement savings accounts, you’ll likely have some common questions and concerns. Let’s address a few of them:
1. Can I Have More Than One IRA?
Yes! You can have multiple individual retirement accounts, including Traditional and Roth, as long as you meet the contribution limits for each type. Having a mix of IRA types can provide tax diversification and flexibility in retirement.
2. What Happens If My Saving Exceeds the Allowed Limit?
The IRS will charge you a 6% penalty if you contribute more to your nest egg than the annual limit each year you fail to correct it.
3. Can I change my type of account?
Yes, you can perform a rollover or conversion. IRA rollovers involve moving funds from one IRA to another of the same type, while a conversion changes your IRA type (e.g., from Traditional to Roth). Both have tax implications, so consult with a wealth planner, such as Interactive Wealth Advisors to understand the process and consequences.
4. What if I Need to Access My Funds Before Retirement?
While IRAs are primarily for retirement savings, life happens. In certain situations, you can withdraw funds early without the 10% penalty, such as for a first-time home purchase, higher education expenses, or medical bills. However, you’ll still owe regular income tax.
5. Do IRAs Have Investment Restrictions?
How does IRA make money? Short answer: Through investment returns, savers have flexibility regarding types of IRA investments. You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and more. The key is to choose the right IRA distribution strategies and diversify your investments to manage risk.
However, if you have a remarkably high appetite for risk, you might consider choosing a self-directed IRA. It sets itself apart from other types of retirement accounts for individuals because it allows investment in a broader and potentially riskier range of investments like private equity, precious metals, commodities, and crypto.
6. What Happens to My Retirement Fund When I Pass Away?
Your IRA will be passed on to your heirs according to beneficiary designations. Spouses can inherit the IRA and treat it as their own, while non-spouses can stretch distributions over time or take a lump sum.
Case Studies
Sarah, a Young Professional
In her late 20s, Sarah is just starting her career. She’s currently in a lower tax bracket, so she decided to open Roth retirement savings, considering what are the different types of IRA accounts. Sarah knows her investments will grow tax-free and can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement. She anticipates her income will rise in the future, and this tax-free income will be a significant advantage.
Michael, the Tax-Savvy Saver
Michael earns $70,000 per year as a 30-year-old marketing manager. He’s diligent about retirement savings and understands that his current tax bracket is relatively high. Having a good understanding of what are the different types of individual retirement accounts, Michael opts for a Traditional IRA, contributing $6,500 annually, By doing so, he reduces her taxable income, saving money on his yearly tax bill. When he retires at 65, Michael can withdraw his savings with potentially lower taxes.
Linda, the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Small business owner Lisa, 45, runs a catering business with fluctuating income.
She chose a SEP IRA, which allows her to contribute up to 25% of her salary, regardless of the amount she earns in a given year. The flexibility and high contribution limits of the SEP IRA match her entrepreneurial lifestyle, offering valuable tax deductions while she builds a substantial retirement fund.
Conclusion
The IRA types explained—Traditional, Roth, and SEP—each have their own unique set of benefits and considerations. There is a type of IRA account suited to you, whether at the start of your career or running a business.
Your preference for the different types of IRAs will depend on your financial situation, age, and long-term goals. Remember, differences in IRA types can significantly impact your goal for a more comfortable and worry-free tomorrow.