IRA

What Is an IRA?

December 17, 2024 • Beginner
Looking for a tax-smart way to save for your future? Find out what an IRA is, what it offers, and how the three main types differ.
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Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are personal retirement savings plans that offer tax benefits and a range of investment options. Many investors use IRAs as a source of saving for retirement. Even those who have access to employer-sponsored plans, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), can still tap IRA tax advantages to boost their savings and add flexibility to their portfolio. 

"After you've contributed up to the employer match in your employer-sponsored plan, an IRA may be the next best way to save for retirement," said Rob Williams, managing director of financial planning, retirement income, and wealth management for the Schwab Center for Financial Research. "IRAs may offer a wider range of investment options than your 401(k), such as individual stocks or bonds, if that's your preference."

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Three main types of IRAs

It's important to know there are different types of IRAs and that each type has different contribution, withdrawal, and tax rules. Rob said, "Which IRA is right for you will depend on a number of things, such as your income, whether you prefer potential tax savings now or in retirement, how required minimum distributions fit into your long-term plan, and whether you expect to be in a higher or lower tax bracket in retirement."  

The three most common types of IRAs are traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and rollover IRAs.

With a traditional IRA, contributions may be tax-deductible, meaning you could get a tax break up front. You'll have to pay income tax on your traditional IRA savings when you start making withdrawals in retirement, and you'll be required to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) each year starting at age 73. Anyone with earned income can contribute to a Traditional IRA. 

Roth IRAs treat taxes differently. Instead of receiving an immediate tax deduction, you contribute after-tax dollars (income you've already paid taxes on). But your money can grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals1 are tax-free in retirement. Roth IRAs aren't subject to RMDs, so you can leave the money in your account as long as you choose or leave it to your heirs. But your income must fall below a certain limit to contribute. 

A rollover IRA, by contrast, allows you to move funds from your old employer-sponsored retirement plan into an IRA. "Rolling over" your savings in this way may allow you to preserve the tax-deferred status of your retirement assets without paying current taxes or early withdrawal penalties at the time of transfer. The specific tax benefits, as well as whether you'll be subject to RMDs, will depend on the type of IRA you roll into—usually a traditional or Roth IRA.

Traditional, Roth, and Rollover IRAs

Three main types of IRAs--Traditional, Roth, and Rollover
Three main types of IRAs--Traditional, Roth, and Rollover
IRA TypeHow much can I contribute?What is taxed?What is the tax impact?Do RMDs apply?
Traditional In 2025, $7,000 per year across all your IRAs, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older.You’ll generally owe ordinary income tax on withdrawals, including RMDs.Contributions are generally tax deductible, but the amount you can deduct depends on your income. Yes, you’ll have to start taking RMDs starting at age 73.
RothSame as above. But your income must fall under a certain amount to contribute to a Roth IRA.  Qualified distributions are not taxed.Earning withdrawals are tax-free if you meet certain requirements.1No, you won’t have to take RMDs.
RolloverRegular IRA contribution limits apply. Generally, there is no dollar limit to the amount of assets that can be rolled over.*                                           Tax and RMD rules depend on the type of IRA you choose for your rollover—for example, a traditional or Roth IRA.Tax and RMD rules depend on the type of IRA you choose for your rollover—for example, a traditional or Roth IRA.Tax and RMD rules depend on the type of IRA you choose for your rollover—for example, a traditional or Roth IRA.

Disclosures

Roth IRA contributions may be withdrawn at any time without additional tax or penalty. Roth IRA earnings can be withdrawn tax-free after age 59½, if you’ve held the account for at least five years. The IRS maintains a list of exceptions to these early withdrawal rules.

*Generally, you can't do more than one rollover from the same IRA within a 1-year period. The once per year rule does not apply to, Roth conversions, trustee-to-trustee transfers, IRA-to-employer plan rollovers, employer plan-to-IRA rollovers, or employer plan-to-employer plan rollovers.

Other types of IRAs

In addition to the three types of IRAs above, there are others you may have access to:  

  • SIMPLE IRA: A Savings Investment Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) is a low-cost retirement plan for self-employed individuals and small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Employers can save for their own retirement and make contributions for employees. Employees can also contribute. 
  • SEP-IRA: A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan is another way for self-employed individuals and business owners to set up a retirement savings plan for themselves and their employees. These accounts are funded by the employer, and contribution limits are higher than other types of IRAs. 
  • Inherited IRA: These accounts—also known as Beneficiary IRAs—are opened when someone inherits a traditional or Roth IRA after the death of the original owner.
  • Custodial IRA: Any parent, grandparent, or other custodian can open a traditional IRA or Roth IRA for a minor who has earned income for the year. The minor assumes ownership of the account when they reach the age of adulthood in their state of residency.
  • Spousal IRA: You usually have to have earned income to open and fund an IRA, but not with a spousal IRA. This plan allows the working spouse to fund a traditional IRA or Roth IRA for a spouse who does not have earned income. To qualify, you must file a joint tax return.

1Roth IRA contributions may be withdrawn at any time without additional tax or penalty. Roth IRA earnings can be withdrawn tax-free after age 59½, if you’ve held the account for at least five years. The IRS maintains a list of exceptions to these early withdrawal rules.

Which IRA is right for you?

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Withdrawals from an IRA prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10% Federal tax penalty. For a Roth IRA, tax-free withdrawals of earnings are permitted five years after first contribution creating account. Earnings withdrawn prior to that may be subject to ordinary income taxes and a 10% Federal tax penalty.

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision. 

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed. 

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, Financial Planner or Investment Manager.

A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. Carefully consider all of your available options which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). Prior to a decision, be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider factors such as differences in investment related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to your individual circumstances.

Roth IRA conversions require a 5-year holding period before earnings can be withdrawn tax free and subsequent conversions will require their own 5-year holding period. In addition, earnings distributions prior to age 59 1/2 are subject to an early withdrawal penalty.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.

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