What is a Traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account)?

A Traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a great choice for those looking to invest pre-tax income into investments that have the potential for tax-deferred growth. This is a great option for those who expect to be in the same or lower tax bracket when they retire.

Traditional IRAs offer certain tax advantages to individuals who are seeking to deduct all or a portion of their contributions, effectively lowering annual taxable income for each year's contributions.

For Individuals looking for an easy way to build their retirement portfolio who want to defer paying taxes until after retirement, a Traditional IRA could be a good choice.

Benefits of a Traditional IRA

Building a portfolio with a Traditional IRA can offer a tax-advantaged way to save for retirement, while helping to secure a more financially comfortable retirement. Traditional IRA benefits:

Ideal for early contributors in their peak earning years
Contributions are tax-deductible
Can provide decreased tax benefits now and lower tax rates in the future
Have a minimum investment of at least $1,000

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

In your peak earning years

Your income (and tax bracket) is likely higher than it will be when you retire, contributing to a tax-deferred plan now may save you tax dollars later.

Wanting to invest smart

Contributing earlier helps to maximize the compound growth potential of your investments. Your contributions work harder as they may accumulate earnings and grow tax-deferred until you’re ready to start enjoying your 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

All or part of your contributions may be tax-deductible, which may reduce your taxable income each year you contribute.

Expecting a lower tax rate in retirement

You may be able to hang on to more of your hard-earned dollars during retirement if you’re in a lower tax bracket when you begin withdrawing.

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).

What is a Roth IRA?

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).

Explore Our Full IRA Comparison

How can I start a Traditional 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 Traditional IRA could be a good choice.

Invest with a Traditional IRA

Build your retirement savings while taking advantage of tax benefits today.

Open a Traditional IRA

Is a Traditional IRA right for you?

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