IRA Contributions Deadline Extended to May 17, 2021!
The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that individuals have until May 17, 2021 to meet certain deadlines that would normally fall on April 15, such as making IRA contributions and filing certain claims for refund. So, it’s not too late to open an IRA and/or make a contribution to help manage your tax exposure.
When it comes to IRAs, you have a couple of options and opportunities, each coming with different tax benefits and intended uses. There are also contribution limits based on age and timing restrictions. To help you decide which type of IRA is right for you, and so you can make an informed decision that may help you reduce your tax burden this year, here is some insight into Traditional and Roth IRAs.
Traditional IRA
A Traditional IRA is a type of retirement account in which individuals can make pre-tax contributions and the investments in the account grow tax-deferred. In retirement, the owner pays income tax on withdrawals from a Traditional IRA. The maximum contribution amount is $6,000 per year for those up to 50 years of age; $7,000 for those over 50 and these contributions can be made up to the age 70 ½. At the age of 72, there is a required minimum distribution on Traditional IRAs, which is determined by an IRS formula.
The two big benefit of a Traditional IRA are:
Since Traditional IRAs provide an opportunity for tax-deferred earnings (earnings are taxed when withdrawn), they can be particularly helpful to those who anticipate being in a lower tax rate in retirement.
Traditional IRA contributions may be tax deductible, reducing tax burdens for contributors.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that offers tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Roth IRA rules dictate that as long as you have owned your account for 5 years and you’re age 59 ½ or older, you can withdraw your money when you want to and won’t owe any federal taxes. One thing to consider is that with Roth IRAs, you are contributing post-tax money, which impacts your current income. The maximum contribution amount is $6,000 per year for those up to 50 years of age; $7,000 for those over 50.
The benefits of a Roth IRA are:
Roth IRAs offer tax-free earnings and withdrawals.
Regular contributions can be withdrawn anytime, tax-free and penalty free.
Unlike the Traditional IRAs, there are no mandatory withdrawals at age 72.
Wheelhouse Credit Union offers both types of IRAs, each with the option to be opened as a Daily Savings Account, a Certificate or both. There is no monthly service charge for either type and they are federally insured by NCUA up to $250,000. We recommend checking with your professional tax advisor for direction and answers to questions specific to your personal financial situation.
Note: Although a normal/qualified distribution may not have an IRS penalty, if an IRA is set up as a Certificate and a distribution is taken during the Certificate term, then an early withdrawal penalty will apply.
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