Roth vs. Traditional IRA: A Comparison to Help You Choose

Keyword: does vanguard have roth ira

Investing in an IRA is a smart way to save for retirement, but choosing the right type of IRA can be a challenge. Two popular options are Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs. Both offer tax benefits, but they have different contribution rules and tax implications.

This guide will compare Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs to help you decide which one is right for you.

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Key Differences

Feature Roth IRA Traditional IRA
Contributions Contributions are not tax-deductible. Contributions may be tax-deductible.
Earnings Earnings grow tax-free. Earnings grow tax-deferred.
Withdrawals Qualified withdrawals of contributions and earnings are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings are taxed as ordinary income.
Income limits There are income limits for contributions. There are no income limits for contributions.
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) No RMDs during your lifetime. RMDs must begin at age 72 (age 70½ if you attained age 70½ before 2020).

Which IRA is Right for You?

The best IRA for you depends on your individual circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Your income: If you expect your income to be higher in retirement than it is now, a Roth IRA may be a better choice. This is because you will pay taxes on your earnings when you withdraw them, and you may be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
  • Your age: If you are young and have a long time until retirement, a Roth IRA may be a better choice. This is because you will have more time for your earnings to grow tax-free.
  • Your risk tolerance: If you are risk-averse, a traditional IRA may be a better choice. This is because your contributions are tax-deductible, which can lower your taxable income and reduce your risk of being audited.

Vanguard Roth IRA

Vanguard offers a variety of Roth IRA options, including:

  • Vanguard Target Retirement Funds: These funds automatically adjust their asset allocation as you get closer to retirement.
  • Vanguard STAR® Fund: This fund invests in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds.
  • Vanguard Individual Investor Funds: You can choose from a wide range of individual investor funds to create a custom portfolio.

Vanguard Traditional IRA

Vanguard also offers a variety of traditional IRA options, including:

  • Vanguard Target Retirement Funds: These funds automatically adjust their asset allocation as you get closer to retirement.
  • Vanguard STAR® Fund: This fund invests in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds.
  • Vanguard Individual Investor Funds: You can choose from a wide range of individual investor funds to create a custom portfolio.

Choosing the right IRA can be a complex decision. It is important to consider your individual circumstances and investment goals before making a decision. If you are unsure which IRA is right for you, it is best to consult with a financial advisor.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is an IRA?

An IRA is an individual retirement account that allows you to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis.

  • How do I open an IRA?

You can open an IRA at most major banks and investment firms. You will need to provide some basic information, such as your Social Security number and date of birth.

  • How much can I contribute to an IRA?

The annual contribution limit for IRAs is $6,500 for 2023 and $7,000 for 2024. If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 per year.

  • When can I withdraw from my IRA?

You can withdraw from your IRA at any time, but you will pay taxes and penalties on any earnings that you withdraw before age 59½.

  • What happens to my IRA when I die?

Your IRA will be passed on to your beneficiaries.

Disclaimer

I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide financial advice. The information provided above is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, and does not constitute professional financial advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified financial advisor for any specific questions or decisions.

IRA withdrawal rules

Will I pay taxes on withdrawals?

ROTH IRA Contributions to your Roth IRA are tax-free when withdrawn. Additionally, as long as you take your earnings after you’ve reached age 59½ and fulfilled the 5-year holding period requirement, you won’t be required to pay taxes on them.

TRADITIONAL IRA: Any withdrawals of traditional IRA earnings and any contributions that were initially deducted from your taxes are subject to ordinary income tax.

Is there a penalty for withdrawals taken before age 59½?

ROTH IRA Contributions may be withdrawn from the account without incurring penalties. However, there is a federal penalty tax of 10% on earnings withdrawals as of 2010.

TRADITIONAL IRA: With a traditional IRA, withdrawals of both contributions and earnings are subject to a federal penalty tax as of 2010

Will I have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs)?

ROTH IRA Roth IRAs have no RMDs during your lifetime.

TRADITIONAL IRA: You have to take your first required minimum distribution (RMD) from your traditional IRA by April 1st of the year that you turn 72 (or 70½ if you turned 70½ before 2020).

You will have to take your annual RMD by December 31 of the following year.

ROTH IRA TRADITIONAL IRA

Will I pay taxes on withdrawals?

Youll never pay taxes on withdrawals of your Roth IRA contributions. And you wont pay taxes on withdrawals of your earnings as long as you take them after youve reached age 59½ and youve met the 5-year-holding-period requirement.

Get details on IRA withdrawals

Youll pay ordinary income tax on withdrawals of all traditional IRA earnings and on any contributions you originally deducted on your taxes.

Get details on IRA withdrawals

Is there a penalty for withdrawals taken before age 59½?

There are no penalties on withdrawals of Roth IRA contributions. But theres a 10% federal penalty tax on withdrawals of earnings.

Exceptions to the penalty tax

With a traditional IRA, theres a 10% federal penalty tax on withdrawals of both contributions and earnings.

Exceptions to the penalty tax

Will I have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs)?

Roth IRAs have no RMDs during your lifetime.

Due to changes to federal law that took effect on January 1, 2023, the age at which you must begin taking RMDs differs depending on when you were born. If you reached age 72 on or before December 31, 2022, you were already required to take your RMD and must continue satisfying that requirement. However, if you had not yet reached age 72 by December 31, 2022, you must take your first RMD from your traditional IRA by April 1 of the year after you reached age 73.

For each subsequent year, youll need to take your annual RMD by December 31.

Get details on RMDs

Minors

Minors cannot open IRAs online without parental or guardian approval.

VANGUARD ROTH IRA GUIDE – Opening Account, Buying Stock, Automatic Investing, DRIP

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