Definition
A retirement savings vehicle, wherein earnings accrue on a tax-deferred basis and distributions are tax-free if qualified. A Roth IRA can be either of the following:
- An individual retirement ‘account’ , which can be established at a bank, credit union, brokerage firm, savings & loan, or other financial institution that satisfies the requirements established under the tax code IRC § 408(n)
- An individual retirement annuity-contract issued by an insurance company
Contributions to Roth IRAs are not tax-deductible.
In addition to having taxable compensation/income, an individual must meet income requirement in order to be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. The MAGI limits can be found here under the definition of IRA
Referring Cite
IRC § 408A, IRS Publication 590
Additional Helpful Information
- Individuals may contribute up to 100% of their taxable compensation/income up to the dollar limit that is in effect for the year to their traditional IRAs and/or Roth IRAs. Individuals who reach age 50 by the end of the year may contribute additional amounts referred to as ‘Catch-up’ contributions.
- The dollar limits as of 2005 can be found here under the definition of IRA
An individual can split the annual limit between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, or contribute the entire amount to either - IRA contributions must be made in cash
