In many cases, a Roth IRA can be a better choice than a 401(k) retirement plan, as it offers a flexible investment vehicle with greater tax benefits—especially if you think you'll be in a higher tax bracket later on.
One key disadvantage: Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax money, meaning there's no tax deduction in the year of the contribution. Another drawback is that withdrawals of account earnings must not be made before at least five years have passed since the first contribution.
The biggest benefit of the Roth 401(k) is this: Because you already paid taxes on your contributions, the withdrawals you make in retirement are tax-free. ... By contrast, if you have a traditional 401(k), you'll have to pay taxes on the amount you withdraw based on your current tax rate at retirement.
It may cost you more on the front end to use a Roth 401(k). Contributions to a Roth 401(k) can hit your budget harder today because an after-tax contribution takes a bigger bite out of your paycheck than a pretax contribution to a traditional 401(k). The Roth account can be more valuable in retirement.
The Bottom Line
If you have earned income and meet the income limits, a Roth IRA can be an excellent tool for retirement savings. But keep in mind that it's just one part of an overall retirement strategy. If possible, it's a good idea to contribute to other retirement accounts, as well.
The 401(k) is simply objectively better. The employer-sponsored plan allows you to add much more to your retirement savings than an IRA – $20,500 compared to $6,000 in 2022. Plus, if you're over age 50 you get a larger catch-up contribution maximum with the 401(k) – $6,500 compared to $1,000 in the IRA.
Converting all or part of a traditional 401(k) to a Roth 401(k) can be a savvy move for some, especially younger people or those on an upward trajectory in their career. If you believe you will be in a higher tax bracket during retirement than you are now, a conversion will likely save you money.
There are no tax consequences when you take money out of a Roth 401(k) when you're 59½ and you have met the five-year rule. If you need $20,000, take out the $20,000, and no taxes are due. If you take a similar distribution from a traditional 401(k) plan, the money you withdraw is subject to ordinary income tax.
The quick answer is yes, you can have both a 401(k) and an individual retirement account (IRA) at the same time. ... These plans share similarities in that they offer the opportunity for tax-deferred savings (and, in the case of the Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA, tax-free earnings).
You may save by lowering your taxable income now and paying taxes on your savings after you retire. You'd rather save for retirement with a smaller hit to your take-home pay. You pay less in taxes now when you make pretax contributions, while Roth contributions lower your paycheck even more after taxes are paid.
In general, if you think you'll be in a higher tax bracket when you retire, a Roth IRA may be the better choice. You'll pay taxes now, at a lower rate, and withdraw funds tax-free in retirement when you're in a higher tax bracket.
Most retirement experts recommend you contribute 10% to 15% of your income toward your 401(k) each year. The most you can contribute in 2021 is $19,500 or $26,000 if you are 50 or older. In 2022, the maximum contribution limit for individuals is $20,500 or $27,000 if you are 50 or older.
Workers who are younger than age 50 can contribute a maximum of $20,500 to a 401(k) in 2022. That's up $1,000 from the limit of $19,500 in 2021. If you're age 50 and older, you can add an extra $6,500 per year in "catch-up" contributions, bringing your total 401(k) contributions for 2022 to $27,000.
First, understand the annual contribution limits for both accounts: 401(k): You can contribute up to $19,500 in 2021 and $20,500 for 2022 ($26,000 in 2021 and $27,000 in 2022 for those age 50 or older). IRA: You can contribute up to $6,000 in 2021 and 2022 ($7,000 if age 50 or older).
The Roth IRA five-year rule says you cannot withdraw earnings tax-free until it's been at least five years since you first contributed to a Roth IRA account. This rule applies to everyone who contributes to a Roth IRA, whether they're 59 ½ or 105 years old.
The first five-year rule sounds simple enough: In order to avoid taxes on distributions from your Roth IRA, you must not take money out until five years after your first contribution. ... That happens on the first day of the tax year when you made your contribution.
An employer-sponsored Roth 401(k) plan is similar to a traditional plan with one major exception. Contributions by employees are not tax-deferred but are made with after-tax dollars. Income earned on the account, from interest, dividends, or capital gains, is tax-free.
In most cases, your tax situation should dictate which type of 401(k) to choose. If you're in a low tax bracket now and anticipate being in a higher one after you retire, a Roth 401(k) makes the most sense. If you're in a high tax bracket now, the traditional 401(k) might be the better option.
If your employer offers only a traditional 401(k) and matches contributions, you'll be passing up free money by not participating. As long as you meet the above MAGI income requirements, you can open a Roth IRA on your own as part of your retirement strategy.
Understanding IRAs
An IRA is a type of tax-advantaged investment account that may help individuals plan and save for retirement. IRAs permit a wide range of investments, but—as with any volatile investment—individuals might lose money in an IRA, if their investments are dinged by market highs and lows.
If you're age 50 or over, the IRS allows you to contribute up to $7,000 annually (about $584 a month). If you can afford to contribute $500 a month without neglecting bills or yourself, go for it!
Some alternatives for retirement savers include IRAs and qualified investment accounts. IRAs, like 401(k)s, offer tax advantages for retirement savers. If you qualify for the Roth option, consider your current and future tax situation to decide between a traditional IRA and a Roth.
A Roth IRA or 401(k) makes the most sense if you're confident of having a higher income in retirement than you do now. If you expect your income (and tax rate) to be lower in retirement than at present, a traditional IRA or 401(k) is likely the better bet.
You may qualify for incredible tax savings if you contribute to a Traditional IRA account in 2021. ... Being a higher earner now means you're in a great position to set yourself up for a fantastic retirement and enjoy immediate tax savings not available to Roth IRA contributors.