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An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, can be a versatile addition to an investment portfolio. Choosing the best type of IRA requires a consideration of the differences between a traditional and a Roth account. For many investors, the choice comes down to deciding whether contributions to a retirement fund should be taxed now or later.

Advantages of a Traditional IRA

A traditional IRA allows the investor to make yearly contributions from pre-tax income to an account that is managed by a bank, brokerage or other institution. For investors who need a yearly tax break, a traditional IRA offers valuable savings. Over time, the funds in a traditional IRA will continue to grow, and the earnings on these assets will not be taxed until the funds are withdrawn.

After reaching the age of 59 _, the account holder may take distributions from a traditional IRA without penalties. Traditional IRA distributions are subject to income tax. However, many retirees are in a lower income tax bracket after they stop working, which means that they may pay less tax on these assets than they would have paid when they were actively working.

Benefits of a Roth IRA

The features of a Roth IRA make this an appealing option for investors who want to enjoy tax-free distributions from their retirement account. The assets contributed to a Roth IRA come from post-tax earnings, so these funds are not subject to tax when they are withdrawn. However, the earnings from Roth IRA contributions can be taxed if the assets are withdrawn before the account holder is 59 _ or before the account is five years old.

A Roth IRA has no minimum distribution requirement, which means that investors may allow the funds to grow for as long as they choose. By comparison, the owner of a traditional IRA must begin collecting distributions by the age of 70 _. On the other hand, investors whose adjusted gross income exceeds the maximum limit established by the IRS may not qualify to contribute to a Roth IRA. Comparing the pros and cons of each type of IRA is an essential step in retirement planning.

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