Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: What's the Difference?

Are you prepared for a financially secure retirement? Regardless of where you are in life, it's never too early to start planning for the future. Every decision you make today, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the quality of your retirement years.

One avenue that offers you the opportunity to save for retirement is an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA). There are various types of IRAs to choose from, each with its own set of rules and benefits.

Two popular options to explore are the Roth IRA and the Traditional IRA.

Both can be excellent avenues for building your retirement savings and can provide a wide range of investment possibilities to suit your financial goals. However, it's crucial to understand the key distinctions between these accounts in order to determine how each one might align to your specific needs and goals.

 

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA allows you to contribute after-tax dollars toward your retirement savings. In other words, when it's time to withdraw funds from your Roth IRA during retirement, you won't owe any taxes on that money. This makes a Roth IRA particularly beneficial for individuals in higher tax brackets, as it can maximize tax deductions and optimize tax-free growth on investments over time.

Since contributions (but not gains) can be withdrawn from a Roth IRA without penalty, opening one can also be a great option for those who want to start investing without losing access to their contributions.

However, like many retirement accounts, there are some details and characteristics of Roth IRAs that you should be aware of.

What Are the Rules for Withdrawing from a Roth IRA?

Understanding the withdrawal rules for Roth IRAs is essential to harness the full potential of this retirement savings option. With a Roth IRA, you enjoy certain options that aren't possible with a Traditional IRA, especially when it comes to withdrawals.

The key withdrawal rules for Roth IRAs include:

• The Five-Year Rule and Age 59 ½: To make qualified, tax-free withdrawals from the gains that have accrued in your Roth IRA, you must have held the account for at least five years. Once you meet this requirement, you can make withdrawals without incurring any taxes or penalties after age 59 ½.
• Penalty and Tax-Free Withdrawal of Contributions: A Roth IRA gives you the ability to withdraw your contributions penalty- and tax-free at any time, even before reaching the age of 59 1/2. With no early withdrawal penalty, the Roth IRA can be particularly useful in case of financial emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
• No Mandatory Withdrawals: Unlike Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs do not impose mandatory withdrawals at a certain age or upon the death of the account holder. This means you have the freedom to maintain your savings within the account for as long as you wish, allowing your funds the potential to grow over a longer period of time.
• Withdrawal of Earnings for Eligible Purchases: A Roth IRA may offer the opportunity to withdraw gains without penalties or taxes in certain situations. For example, if you're making an eligible purchase, such as buying a house for the first time, you may be able to tap into your Roth IRA earnings. Specific circumstances may impact your individual situation, so consulting with an investment management professional when making major decisions is always recommended.

What is the Contribution Limit for a Roth IRA in 2023?

Roth IRAs have contribution limits that may or may not increase each year. For example, there was no contribution increase between 2019 and 2022, but there was an increase in the limit at the start of 2023.

In the year 2023, the contribution limit for a Roth IRA is as follows:

• If you are under the age of 50, the maximum contribution you can make to your Roth IRA is $6,500.
• However, if you are 50 or older, you can contribute up to $7,500 to your Roth IRA.

Is There an Income Limit for Roth IRAs in 2023?

Determining how much you can contribute to your Roth IRA hinges on your income level. The Roth IRA 2023 income limits are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).

Here's what you need to know:

For single filers, your MAGI must be below $153,000 to contribute to a Roth IRA.Married filers filing jointly need their MAGI to be below $228,000 in order to be eligible for contributions. However, if you are married and filing separately, your MAGI must be less than $10,000.

If your income exceeds these limits, there is still a way to benefit from a Roth IRA through a strategy known as a backdoor Roth IRA. This involves contributing to a Traditional IRA and then converting it into a Roth IRA. By employing this method, you can still take advantage of the benefits of a Roth IRA, regardless of your income level.

 

What Is a Traditional IRA?

A Traditional IRA differs from a Roth IRA in that it can offer immediate tax benefits. When you contribute to a Traditional IRA, you use pre-tax dollars, which reduces your taxable income for the contribution year. This may make you eligible for other tax incentives such as the child tax credit or student loan interest deduction.

It's an ideal choice if you anticipate being in a similar or lower tax bracket during retirement, as withdrawals are taxed at your income tax rate at that time. By deferring taxes until retirement, you may benefit from a lower tax rate in the future, ultimately maximizing your savings.

What is the Contribution Limit for a Traditional IRA in 2023?

In 2023, the contribution limit for a Traditional IRA is as follows:

• If you are under the age of 50, the maximum contribution you can make is $6,500.
• If you are 50 or older, you have the opportunity to make "catch-up contributions," allowing you to contribute up to $7,500 to your Traditional IRA.

What Are the Rules for Withdrawing from a Traditional IRA?

When it comes to withdrawing from a Traditional IRA, there are a few key considerations. Once you reach the age of 59 ½, you gain the freedom to start taking withdrawals from your Traditional IRA without incurring an early withdrawal penalty. This can provide you with the flexibility to access your retirement funds as needed.

However, mandatory withdrawals from your Traditional IRA are required after you turn 72. These required minimum distributions (RMDs) are put in place by the IRS so it can start generating tax revenue from the IRA's funds after many years of not doing so.

If you decide to withdraw from your Traditional IRA before reaching the age of 59 ½, the IRS will impose a 10% penalty on early withdrawals. You may also be subject to state tax penalties.

But there are certain circumstances in which you may be able to avoid these penalties, such as:

• First-time home purchase: You may be eligible to make a penalty-free early withdrawal from your Traditional IRA to assist in buying your first home.
• Qualified educational expenses: Withdrawals used to pay for certain current educational expenses may be exempt from penalties. It's important to note that this exemption does not apply to student loans.
• Disability or death: If an account holder becomes disabled or dies, they or their beneficiaries might be able to make early withdrawals without penalty.
• Medical expenses: If you incur significant medical expenses, you may be able to withdraw funds from your Traditional IRA without penalties.
• Birth or adoption expenses: Withdrawals to cover qualified birth or adoption expenses may be exempt from penalties.
• Health insurance: Certain situations where you withdraw Traditional IRA funds to pay for health insurance premiums may be exempt from penalties.
• Periodic payments: A structured series of substantially equal payments taken over a specified period of time may avoid penalties.
• Involuntary distribution: Certain circumstances, such as IRS levies, may allow you to make penalty-free withdrawals to cover them.
• Reservist distributions: Qualified military reservists may be eligible for penalty-free distributions. Withdrawal exemptions can require extensive planning and might not be the best choice for your financial situation. Speaking with a wealth planner can help you decide what options might be best for you.

Is There an Income Limit for Traditional IRAs in 2023?

Unlike Roth IRAs, Traditional IRAs have no income limits. This means that individuals of any income level can contribute to a Traditional IRA, and makes it an inclusive option for those looking to save for retirement.

 

Can You Contribute to Both a Roth and Traditional IRA?

Diversifying your retirement savings strategy by contributing to both Roth and Traditional IRAs can offer unparalleled flexibility and enhanced control over your financial future. The unique combination of taxable and tax-free contributions and income in retirement allows you to tailor your approach to suit your individual needs and optimize your tax planning.

The good news is that there's no need to choose between the two. You can simultaneously contribute to both types of IRAs, taking advantage of the benefits each one has to offer. However, you'll need to look at the pros and cons of each type of IRA to decide if one or both is right for your financial goals.

Alongside IRAs, you can also participate in employer-sponsored plans like the 401(k), Simple IRA, and SEP, provided you meet the specific eligibility criteria.

 

Pros & Cons of Roth IRAs & Traditional IRAs

As you weigh the options for your retirement savings, understanding the advantages and considerations of Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs can help you make informed decisions. Here are the key pros and cons of each:

Roth IRA:

• Tax-Free Growth and Withdrawals: With a Roth IRA, your contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but your investments grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals during retirement are also tax-free. This can provide significant tax advantages in the long run.
• Flexibility in Withdrawals: There are no mandatory minimum distributions during your lifetime. You can choose when and how much to withdraw without tax penalties, making it more flexible for your retirement planning.
• Penalty-Free Withdrawal of Contributions: Since you've already paid taxes on your contributions, you can withdraw them at any time without facing early withdrawal penalties, providing some level of financial security.
• No Upfront Tax Deductions: Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, meaning you won't get an immediate tax benefit when contributing to the account.
• Income Phase-Out Limits: High income earners may face limitations on their eligibility to contribute directly to a Roth IRA, potentially reducing its accessibility for certain individuals. 

Traditional IRA:

• Potential Tax Deduction: Your contributions may be tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income in the year of contribution and providing immediate tax savings.
• Tax-Deferred Growth: Investments in a Traditional IRA grow tax-free until withdrawal during retirement, allowing your savings to compound more efficiently.
• No Contribution Income Limits: There are no income restrictions for contributing to a Traditional IRA, making it accessible to individuals at all income levels.
• Future Tax Liability: While you benefit from tax deductions now, you'll owe taxes on your withdrawals during retirement, which could affect your overall tax liability in your golden years.
• Mandatory Withdrawals: Once you reach age 72, you are required to start making required minimum withdrawals from your Traditional IRA, which may impact your retirement income planning.
• Early Withdrawal Penalties: Withdrawing funds before age 59 ½ may incur a 10% penalty.

 

Is it Better to Do a Traditional or Roth IRA?

Whether a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA is better for you depends on your unique financial circumstances and retirement goals. The main difference between the two lies in their tax treatment.

With a Traditional IRA, you enjoy immediate tax benefits through tax-deductible contributions, but you'll be taxed on your withdrawals during retirement. On the other hand, a Roth IRA offers tax-free withdrawals during retirement, but contributions are made with after-tax dollars.

Nevertheless, your decision should not solely revolve around tax considerations. Other factors, such as your current income level, financial goals, and retirement timeline, should also play a significant role in shaping your choice between a Traditional or Roth IRA. Additionally, considering a CD ladder strategy alongside your chosen IRA can further optimize your financial plan, ensuring a well-rounded approach to achieving your retirement objectives.

Selecting the right IRA for your circumstances is a complex decision, and personalized advice is crucial. Consulting with the wealth managers at City National Bank can provide you with tailored guidance based on your specific financial situation. Take the important step of securing your retirement today and approach your future with confidence.