Getting the Most From the IRA Deduction Rule

All adults should be considering what they need to do in order to be financially secure after retirement. Preparing for retirement is much simpler for those individuals that contribute to a Traditional IRA. Individuals have the ability to put back a little money at a time for their retirement.

For those who meet the requirements, the Traditional IRA retirement plan can be a very worthwhile option.

• The age limit for this retirement plan is 70 1/2 years old.
• A Traditional IRA is designed so that all individuals must have a source of income in order to contribute.

Any active participant in a Traditional IRA also qualifies for various tax benefits. Traditional IRA’s can have very beneficial tax benefits for those individuals that qualify. Any money that you put into a Traditional IRA is tax deferred. You do not have to pay income taxes on your Traditional IRA contributions. This simply means that you are not responsible for paying taxes at that point for any money that you put into your fund. When you start to withdraw your money at 70 1/2 from the fund, you are then responsible for paying taxes on it. Typically you shift to a lower tax bracket which result in fewer taxes taken from your income. Any money that you elect to put in a Traditional IRA during the year is deductible income on that year’s federal income tax return.

It is important to note that there is a limit to the overall amount that an individual can contribute and deduct on their taxes.

• The maximum contribution for 49 and younger is $5,000.

If you are over the age of 50, $6,000 is the max contribution. Make sure to make all eligible deductible contributions by the April 15 tax deadline. Even contributions made the following year can be applied to your income tax if you beat the tax deadline.

• You can reap benefits such as the tax deduction right away.
• You should always consider all of your possible choices when trying to decide whether to choose a Traditional or Roth IRA or invest in a 401k plan.
• There is no set income limit for Traditional IRA plans.
• If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket when you retire, you will ultimately pay less taxes overall on your money.

Disadvantages are possible if you choose the Traditional IRA plan over the other plan types.

• If you do not want your Traditional IRA account to be penalized you must make sure to wait until you are 59 1/2 to withdraw any money.
• If you have the opportunity to get in a retirement plan at work, you may run into eligibility problems when trying to make your tax deductions.
• Those individuals who do not start withdrawing their money at 70 1/2 are subject to seizure of percentage of their account funds by the IRS.

When you choose a retirement plan it is extremely important to look at the criteria in order to fit your specific needs. Some individuals might go with the Traditional IRA while others prefer to take advantage of all their options and split their money between a Roth IRA and a 401k plan.

Confused about the differnce between Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs? To find out about Roth IRA rules, go to: Roth IRA Information.