Traditional and Roth IRAs

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is an account that allows you to save for retirement with tax-free growth or on a tax-deferred basis. There are three main types of IRAs — Traditional, Roth, and Rollover — each with different advantages.

• In a Traditional IRA, you make contributions with money you may be able to deduct on your tax return and any earnings can potentially grow tax-deferred until you withdraw them in retirement. Many retirees also find themselves in a lower tax bracket than they were in pre-retirement, so the tax-deferral means the money may be taxed at a lower rate.
• With a Roth IRA, you make contributions with money you've already paid taxes on (after-tax) and your money may potentially grow tax-free, with tax-free withdrawals in retirement, provided that certain conditions are met.2
• A Rollover IRA is a Traditional IRA intended for money "rolled over" from a qualified retirement plan. Rollovers involve moving eligible assets from an employer-sponsored plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), into an IRA.

Whether you choose a Traditional or Roth IRA, the tax benefits allow your savings to potentially grow, or compound, more quickly than in a taxable account.

Call to Open an IRA 1-800-621-2105

Elements Financial offers both Traditional and Roth IRAs to our members. Depending on your situation, one account type or the other may be right for you. There are different rules and benefits for each type of IRA. With a Traditional IRA, you contribute pre- or after-tax money, growth is tax-deferred, and you are taxed for withdrawals as current income after you are age 59½. With a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars, so your money grows tax-free. You can also generally withdraw money without paying tax or penalty after age 59½.

In other words, some of the key differences are:

Traditional IRAs

• Savings are taxed as income in retirement (tax-deferred earnings)
• Contributions may be tax deductible
• No income limits for contributions

 Roth IRAs

• Contributions are not tax deductible
• Receive tax-free income in retirement, as the contributions were taxed when put into savings
• There are limits on your contributions
• Withdrawals are considered qualified as long as the account has been open for at least five years, and you are either over age 59 1/2, disabled, or buying your first home (other restrictions may apply)

Call to Open an IRA 1-800-621-2105 Compare to Other Savings Options

You can contribute up to $6,500 per tax year to an IRA, or possibly $7,500 if you are over age 50. If your spouse is employed, he/she can also open an IRA and contribute up to $6,500 (or possibly $7,500 if over age 50) of earned income for the year. Or, you can open a spousal IRA on his/her behalf with the total contribution of $13,000 for the year, as long as a contribution to either of the accounts is no more than $6,500. For 50 and older, the contribution for both could total $15,000 for the year.

Our IRA Eligibility Calculator will help you determine whether or not you are eligible to contribute to both the Traditional IRA and Roth IRA and the maximum amount that may be contributed.

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Call to Open an IRA 1-800-621-2105

Call 1-800-621-2105 to start your Traditional or Roth IRA application. An Elements representative will help you determine the best option to fit your financial goals and will reach out within 2 business days to let you know if you’ve been approved.

We regret that IRAs cannot be opened online.

Call to Open an IRA 1-800-621-2105

Can I roll over my Health Savings Account (HSA) into an IRA?

No. HSA funds can only be rolled over into another HSA account, not an IRA.

What happens to my Traditional IRA if I die?

Your beneficiaries will be notified, and funds will be distributed accordingly.