IRAs have been popular investments since their inception in the mid-1970s. If you use IRAs correctly, you can make a tax-deferral or tax deduction strategy. This allows you to save taxes and still generate income until your retirement.
Capital gain taxes on investment proceeds are another downside to some investments. Capital gains taxes on traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs are unlikely to cause any problems. However, this does not mean that IRAs are exempt from tax. Capital gain taxes are not involved in this type of investment.
The Roth IRA —
An individual retirement account (IRA) allows you to use part of your income for specific investments. These investments are either your responsibility or that of the IRA trustee.
Traditional IRAs allow you to defer income taxes on earned income by directing pre-tax income towards the account’s investments. This may benefit you now, as it could leave you with more cash in your pocket, but it also means that you are kicking the tax can downhill. You’ll be taxed as ordinary income on the distributions you make to that account when you withdraw it at the minimum age of 59 1/2.
The Roth IRA was named after Senator William Roth and was created as part of 1997’s Taxpayer Relief Act. It operates in a different way than the traditional IRA. Specifically, Roth IRAs allow you to invest your after-tax money into a Roth IRA. This means that current contributions are not subject to tax.
You don’t owe taxes if you withdraw from your Roth IRA. As long as you are at least 59 1/2 years old at the time you withdraw and have not made a Roth IRA Roth contribution in the past five years, you don’t owe any taxes. This is the IRS’s “five-year rule.”
As far as capital gains are concerned,
Traditional and Roth IRAs have the advantage that capital gains from investments are exempted from tax. Was your IRA able to sell a stock for a profit? Profits from this sale were exempted from capital gains taxes. Your Roth IRA generated much money through the sale of real property. This gain will not be subject to taxes.
You are not subject to capital gains tax if you withdraw from your IRA, Roth, or traditional. Keep in mind that traditional IRA withdrawals will be treated as ordinary income. Depending on your tax bracket, this could be higher than the capital gain tax rate.
IRA Roth disbursements are likely to be exempt from any tax — income or capital gains — if you follow the five-year rule and are at least 59 1/2.
An investment worth making?
The best way to decide if a Roth IRA investment is worthwhile depends on your investment goals, income potential, age, and current and future income. A Roth IRA may not be the best choice if you are 58 and plan to retire at 60. It’s a good idea for you to consult your financial advisor or tax professional before making any decisions about any strategy.
The Roth IRA can be a strategy to help you save money, generate income and lower your capital gains tax. It could be an excellent addition to your retirement plans.