How are Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs different?
There are two primary differences between Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Contributions to Roth IRAs are never tax-deductible but contributions to Traditional IRAs may be deductible or non–deductible. Roth IRAs offer tax-sheltered growth. This means that investments grow free of federal income taxes. An investor pays no federal income tax at all on qualifying withdrawals. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth. This means that investments can grow free of federal income taxes until withdrawals are taken. Check out the IRA Comparison Chart for more information.
There are two primary differences between Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Contributions to Roth IRAs are never tax-deductible but contributions to Traditional IRAs may be deductible or non–deductible. Roth IRAs offer tax-sheltered growth. This means that investments grow free of federal income taxes. An investor pays no federal income tax at all on qualifying withdrawals. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth. This means that investments can grow free of federal income taxes until withdrawals are taken. Check out the Traditional and Roth IRA Plan Comparisons page for more information.