{"id":420,"date":"2023-03-08T13:47:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T14:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/marshalllodge.co.uk\/?p=420"},"modified":"2023-11-23T15:19:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T15:19:38","slug":"roth-ira-vs-traditional-ira-understand-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/marshalllodge.co.uk\/index.php\/2023\/03\/08\/roth-ira-vs-traditional-ira-understand-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Understand the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA \u2013 they\u2019re basically the same plan, right?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Not exactly.<\/p>\n While they do share some similarities, there are enough distinct differences between the two that they can just as easily qualify as completely separate and distinct retirement plans<\/strong>.<\/p>\n To clear up the confusion between the two, let\u2019s look at where Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs are similar, and where they\u2019re different.<\/p>\n Roth IRA vs traditional IRA \u2013 they\u2019re similar only in the most basic ways. This is what often leads to confusion between the two plans and even a lack of awareness of the very specific benefits of each.<\/p>\n Virtually anyone can contribute to an IRA, Roth, or traditional. The most basic requirement is that you have earned income<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Earned income is from salary and wages, contract work, or self-employment.<\/p>\n Unearned income \u2013 such as interest and dividends, pensions and Social Security, capital gains, and rental income \u2013 are not eligible income sources.<\/p>\n Even your kids can make contributions to either a Roth <\/a>or traditional IRA. Though they can\u2019t legally own an account, an IRA can be set up as a custodial account<\/a>.<\/p>\n The account is in the name of the minor but is technically owned and managed by a parent or guardian. Upon reaching the age of majority \u2013 18 or 21, depending on your state \u2013 ownership of the account transfers to the minor.<\/p>\n Either plan is an excellent choice, particularly if you\u2019re not covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan. It\u2019s also the most basic type of retirement plan, which makes it very easy to open and manage.<\/p>\n In the normal course, you don\u2019t even need to file any additional tax or reporting documents with the IRS.<\/p>\n One minor difference between traditional and Roth IRAs used to be that you couldn\u2019t make contributions to traditional IRAs after age 73, though you could still contribute to a Roth IRA. But that distinction was eliminated for tax years beginning in 2020 and beyond<\/a>. <\/p>\n You can now contribute to either a traditional or Roth IRA at any age, as long as you have earned income.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n With both IRAs, the IRS has announced some 2023 changes<\/a> that could benefit you.<\/p>\n The two plans have identical contribution limits.<\/p>\n For 2023, IRS regulations allow you to make an annual contribution of $6,500. If you\u2019re age 50 or older, there is a \u201ccatch-up contribution\u201d<\/strong> of $1,000 per year, in which case your total contribution will be $7,500 per year.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a secondary contribution limit that doesn\u2019t apply to most taxpayers. However, it could affect high-income taxpayers who are covered by an employer plan.<\/p>\nRoth IRA vs. Traditional IRA \u2013 Where They Are Similar<\/h2>\n
Table of Contents<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Plan Eligibility<\/h3>\n
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Roth and Traditional IRA Contribution Limits<\/h3>\n