Make the most of your IRA
Key Points
- What Is a Traditional IRA?
- Rules on Contribution Limits
- Tax Treatment of IRAs
- The Magic of Tax-Deferred Compounding
- Consider the Advantage of Tax Deferral
- Change Jobs, But Keep Your Retirement Money
- Withdrawing From Your IRA
- New Income Limits for IRA Deductibility
- Consult Your Financial Advisor
- Points to Remember
Investors have two options for their individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The first option is a traditional IRA, the second option is a Roth IRA (named for the account's congressional sponsor), which features — among other benefits — the ability to accumulate tax-free earnings under certain circumstances. In this report we'll discuss the features of the traditional IRA. You may want to review material outlining the Roth IRA — or talk to your financial planner — before you make a decision as to which IRA is right for you.
What Is a Traditional IRA?
An individual retirement account allows your investment earnings to grow tax deferred until withdrawn, typically at retirement. Generally, if you have earned income or receive alimony, you can establish as many IRA accounts as you want prior to the tax year in which you reach age 70½. You may also have an IRA even if you participate in a qualified pension, profit-sharing, or other retirement plan. Your entire contribution may not be deductible on your income tax return, depending on your income.
IRAs offer two distinct advantages in terms of taxes: potential deductibility of contributions and tax deferral on investment earnings.
Rules on Contribution Limits
In 2009, the annual contribution limit is $5,000 (in general, married couples filing jointly can contribute a total of $10,000, even if only one spouse has income). Thereafter, the contribution limit will be adjusted for inflation. Individuals aged 50 and older are now able to take advantage of "catch-up" contributions to IRAs. The allowable catch-up contribution is $1,000 per year.
In addition, you can open an IRA or make contributions to an existing IRA as late as the deadline for filing a tax return for that year. That means you would have until April 2010, to make your 2009 IRA contribution. There may be additional extensions available for traditional IRAs.
Tax Treatment of IRAs
Contributions to an IRA may or may not be deductible from your earned income in a given tax year depending on your situation. Income limits apply if either you or your spouse participate in an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Deductibility is phased out over certain ranges of income as follows:
IRA Deductibility Phaseout Ranges*
$ in Thousands
| 2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single Filers |
Joint Filers |
|
| Those covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan | $55-$65 | $89-$109 |
| Those not covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan, but filing a joint return with a spouse who is covered | N/A | $166-$176 |
*Based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).
The Magic of Tax-Deferred Compounding
The ability to make tax-deductible contributions to your IRA can help your current tax situation. But you may want to invest in an IRA whether or not your contributions are deductible (consider funding a nondeductible traditional IRA when your income is too high to fund a Roth IRA). Why? The real advantage of investing in an IRA is tax-deferred compounding of your investment earnings over the long term.
For example, if you had contributed $100 every month for 30 years to a tax-deferred IRA, then paid 25% tax on your withdrawals at retirement, you could have netted $112,522, assuming an 8% average annual rate of return. However, in an account that's taxed annually at a hypothetical rate of 25%, your total would have been only $100,954 — almost $12,000 less just because you had to pay taxes up front!1
Consider the Advantage of Tax Deferral
As you evaluate the potential benefits of an IRA, consider the advantage of tax deferral. This chart shows the result when a hypothetical $100 monthly investment is made for 30 years in a tax-deferred plan versus the same investment taxed annually at a hypothetical rate of 25% (although a lump sum distribution may push you into a higher tax bracket), assuming an 8% average rate of return compounded monthly. If the final tax deferred amount is withdrawn at retirement and taxed at a hypothetical rate of 25%, it exceeds the taxable final amount by nearly $12,000.
Change Jobs, But Keep Your Retirement Money
IRAs can also come in handy when you're about to leave jobs and need to move your 401(k) money. If your former employer requires that you withdraw your retirement money, you can move your distribution safely from your former employer's qualified retirement plan into a rollover IRA and avoid owing current income tax on the distribution.
If you choose to physically receive part or all of your money and do not replace the entire amount within 60 days, you will be subject to penalty fees and taxes on the amount kept. You may avoid headaches and keep your retirement nest egg intact by making sure your hands never touch your retirement money until age 59½ (unless you separate from your employer in a year in which you turn 55 or older).
Withdrawing From Your IRA
Generally, any distribution you receive from an IRA before the day you reach age 59½ is subject to a 10% penalty tax imposed by the IRS, in addition to federal and state income tax. Beginning at age 59½, you can withdraw money (of which any deductible contributions and investment earnings are taxable at your then-current income tax rate) from your IRA as desired without penalty, whether or not you are still employed.
But, as with any rule, there are exceptions. Distributions before age 59½ are not subject to the penalty tax under certain circumstances, including when:
- You become permanently disabled.
- You die before age 59½ and distributions are made to your beneficiary or estate after your death.
- You make withdrawals to pay deductible medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
- You make withdrawals for a qualified first-time home purchase (lifetime limit of $10,000).
- You make withdrawals to pay qualified higher education expenses for yourself, a spouse, children, or grandchildren.
- You make withdrawals to pay medical insurance premiums while unemployed.
By April 1 following the year in which you reach age 70½, you must begin withdrawals from your IRA. A great advantage of taking only the required minimum distribution amount is that the balance continues to compound tax deferred. However, if your distributions in any year after you reach age 70½ are less than the required minimum, you will be subject to a penalty tax equal to 50% of the difference.
Consult Your Financial Advisor
An IRA can become the cornerstone of your personal retirement savings program, providing the foundation for your financial security. That's why it is so important to start planning today. Consult with your financial advisor to help you determine how an IRA could help make your financial future more secure.
Points to Remember
- If you have earned income or alimony, you can establish as many IRA accounts as you want prior to the tax year in which you reach age 70½.
- Contribution limits are $5,000 or 100% of your earned income, whichever is less. Special "catch-up" contributions are also available to older Americans.
- You can open an IRA or make contributions to an existing IRA as late as the tax-filing deadline for that year.
- Income limits restricting the deductibility of contributions apply if either you or your spouse participate in an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan.
- A major advantage of investing in an IRA is tax-deferred compounding.
- By April 1 following the year in which you reach age 70½, you must begin withdrawals from your IRA.
- Individuals under the age of 59½ can make penalty-free withdrawals to pay college expenses for themselves, a spouse, children, or grandchildren.
1This example is hypothetical in nature and is not indicative of future performance in your retirement plans.
Neither Ameriprise Financial nor its affiliates may provide tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues.