What is a Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account)?

A Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a great option for individuals who want to pay taxes now and potentially not have to pay taxes later. For individuals who might expect income (and tax rate) to increase over time, contributing now means they will pay a lower tax rate upfront and no taxes on qualified withdrawals in retirement.

Roth IRAs offer certain tax advantages to individuals who are looking for a way to grow spendable income for retirement, even during the years they can’t contribute. 

For those seeking an easy way to gain a variety of investment options while building their retirement portfolio, a Roth IRA might be the ideal choice.

Benefits of a Roth IRA

Building a portfolio with a Roth IRA can offer a range of benefits, while helping to secure your future retirement goals. Roth IRA benefits include:

  • Ideal for early contributors in a lower tax bracket 
  • Contributions are non-deductible 
  • Can provide tax-free distributions with no taxes on gains in retirement 
  • Has a minimum investment of at least $1,000

A Roth IRA may be right for you if you are ...

In a lower tax bracket

If you expect your income (and tax rate) to increase over time, contributing now means you’ll pay a lower tax rate and pay no taxes on qualified withdrawals when you retire.

Wanting more spendable income

The sooner you start contributing, the longer your contributions will have to compound tax-deferred, and the more spendable income you may have in retirement.

Ready to invest at least $1,000

You must have taxable compensation to be eligible to contribute. While there are no income limit restrictions to contribute, tax deductions could be limited if you also contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Needing flexibility

You can generally withdraw your money, anytime, without taxes or penalties, if you are over age 59½ and have had the account five years or more. If you don't meet this requirement, withdrawals could incur taxes and/or penalties on earnings.

Nearing retirement

If you are worried about required minimum distributions (RMDs) bumping you into a higher tax bracket, qualified distributions from a Roth IRA do not raise your tax rate.

Not sure which IRA is right for you?

It starts with understanding the differences.

Compare Roth vs. Traditional
 

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA

When deciding between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, it's important to understand the different regulations and advantages of each account, considering factors like income limitations and the potential for tax benefits.

Roth IRA

  • May contribute if modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) does not exceed income limitations 
  • No age restriction 
  • Contributions are never deductible 
  • Withdrawals are tax and penalty-free if qualified 
  • No RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) are needed during your lifetime. 
  • Contribution limits depend on current tax years and factor in age and contribution amounts 
  • Contribution deadlines are before the tax return filing deadline (not including extensions).

Traditional IRA

  • No age restriction 
  • There are no income limit restrictions on contributions 
  • You may be eligible to deduct all or a portion of your contributions 
  • Taxable when withdrawn and generally subject to penalties if withdrawn before age 59½ 
  • RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) vary depending on various factors—this additional income could have significant tax implications to consider 
  • Contribution limits depend on current tax years and factor in age and contribution amounts 
  • Contribution deadlines are before the tax return filing deadline (not including extensions).
What is a Traditional IRA?
 
Explore Our Full IRA Comparison
 

How can I start a Roth IRA?

T. Rowe Price offers a broad range of one-stop retirement funds, low-cost mutual funds, and digital investing powered by our experts—all with historically competitive long-term performance.

If you’re looking for an easy way to build your retirement portfolio and want to defer paying taxes until after you retire, a Roth IRA could be a good choice.

Invest with a Roth IRA

Save for your future with the potential to enjoy tax-free income in retirement.

Open a Roth IRA
 

Is a Roth IRA right for you?

Speak with one of our financial consultants.

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Call 1-800-332-6161
 

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