What You Need to Know About IRA Contribution Limits

Preparation for retirement financially is something to consider regardless of age. Getting ready for retirement, financially, is important for all adults regardless of age. A Traditional IRA is a retirement account designed to make it easier for individuals to prepare for retirement. The Traditional IRA helps you save money over time for your future retirement.

Traditional IRA’s are an extremely popular retirement option and individuals must meet a few requirements to start one.

• If you are over the age of 70 1/2, you are no longer eligible to contribute.
• Those individuals who do not have a source of income such as wages from a job or a set salary will not be able to contribute to a Traditional IRA.

It is important to remember that anyone who qualifies for a Traditional IRA also have the opportunity to take advantage of the great tax benefits. 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. The money is taxed only after you begin to withdraw it which can be no later than the age of 70 1/2. As individuals get older they generally fall to lower tax brackets and pay less taxes. Money that you put into the Traditional IRA retirement plan during the year is considered deductible income on the yearly tax return.

Individuals must make sure to be mindful of the yearly contribution limits.

• Individuals 49 or younger can put in $5,000.

The maximum contribution for those 50 and older is $6,000. In order to deduct your contributions on your yearly income tax they must be made by the April 15 deadline of the tax return. Contributions that are made the following year but by the April 15 tax deadline can be put on the current year’s income tax forms.

• You pay fewer taxes on your money after you retire because many people move to a lower tax bracket.
• Go over each of your possible options carefully before you choose to invest in a Traditional or Roth IRA or a 401k plan.
• A Traditional IRA plan is not governed by income limits.
• Tax deductions and other benefits are available as soon as you begin to contribute.

There are some disadvantages associated with investing in a Traditional IRA.

• Individuals who have access to a retirement plan at work can face eligibility requirements when it comes time to utilize the tax-deductibility rule.
• The Roth IRA allows individuals to withdraw early with no penalties but a Traditional IRA assesses a penalty if you take money out before you are 59 1/2.
• Contributors must began withdrawing their money from a Traditional IRA at the age of 70 1/2 or the IRS has the power to seize part of their contributions.

Before you choose a retirement plan, make sure that you check out each plan carefully to ensure you meet your 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.