Terms to help taxpayers better understand Individual Retirement Arrangements

Many taxpayers may have heard of Individual Retirement Arrangements, or IRAs, but some don’t know how IRAs help them save for retirement.

People can set up an IRA with a bank or other financial institution, a life insurance company, mutual fund or stockbroker. Here’s a list of basic terms to help people better understand their IRA options.

Contribution. The money that someone puts into their IRA. There are annual limits to contributions depending on their age and the type of IRA.

Distribution. The amount that someone withdraws from their IRA.

Required distribution. There are requirements for withdrawing from an IRA:
Someone generally must start taking withdrawals from their IRA when they reach age 70½.
Per the 2019 SECURE Act, if a person’s 70th birthday is on or after July 1, 2019, they do not have to take withdrawals until age 72.
Special distribution rules apply for IRA beneficiaries.

Traditional IRA. An IRA where contributions may be tax-deductible. Generally, the amounts in a traditional IRA are not taxed until they are withdrawn.

Roth IRA. This type of IRA that is subject to the same rules as a traditional IRA but with certain exceptions:
A taxpayer cannot deduct contributions to a Roth IRA.
For some situations, qualified distributions are tax-free.
Roth IRAs do not require withdrawals until after the death of the owner.

Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. This is commonly known as a SIMPLE IRA. Employees and employers may contribute to traditional IRAs set up for employees. It may work well as a start-up retirement savings plan for small employers.

Simplified Employee Pension. This is known as a SEP-IRA. An employer can make contributions toward their own retirement and their employees’ retirement. The employee owns and controls a SEP.

Rollover IRA. This is when the IRA owner receives a payment from their retirement plan and deposits it into a different IRA within 60 days….(read more)

LEARN MORE ABOUT: IRA Accounts

CONVERTING IRA TO GOLD: Gold IRA Account

CONVERTING IRA TO SILVER: Silver IRA Account

REVEALED: Best Gold Backed IRA

Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) offer taxpayers a great way to save money for their future. However, there are some complex terms attached to these financial savings products that can be difficult to understand for many taxpayers. In this article, we will help explain some of the key terms associated with IRAs so that taxpayers can make informed decisions about their savings.

Contribution limits: The IRS sets contribution limits for IRAs each year. These limits are determined based on the individual’s age and income level. For 2021, the contribution limit for those under age 50 is $6,000, and for those over 50, it is $7,000. However, there may be other factors that limit or reduce contributions, such as participation in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Rollover: A rollover is when a taxpayer moves funds from one retirement account to another without incurring any taxes or penalties. This can be an effective way to consolidate retirement savings into one account or to move funds from an employer-sponsored plan to a personal IRA.

Traditional IRA: A traditional IRA allows taxpayers to save money tax-deferred until they withdraw the funds in retirement. Contributions made to a traditional IRA can be deducted from taxable income, reducing an individual’s tax bill. However, when money is withdrawn from a traditional IRA, it is subject to income tax.

Roth IRA: A Roth IRA allows taxpayers to make contributions with after-tax dollars, meaning that withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Unlike contributions to a traditional IRA, contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible. Roth IRAs also have income limits for eligibility.

Required minimum distributions (RMDs): Once taxpayers reach age 72, they must start taking distributions from their traditional IRA. These distributions are required each year and are calculated based on the account’s balance and the individual’s age. Failing to take the required minimum distribution can result in penalties.

Conversions: Taxpayers may choose to convert funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. This can result in a tax bill since the funds are moved from a tax-deferred account to a tax-free account. However, the tax bill is usually lower than the individual would have paid if the funds were left in a traditional IRA.

In conclusion, understanding the terms associated with IRAs can help taxpayers make smarter decisions about their retirement savings. Proper planning and investing early can make a big difference in building a comfortable and secure retirement.