How does a traditional IRA works?
One of the most common methods used to save for retirement in
the United States is the traditional IRA. Despite this, many people
do not know what a traditional IRA is.
IRA is an acronym that stands for Individual Retirement Account.
A traditional IRA is used by many people because of the advantages
it can provide in regards to the taxes that are paid on the fruits
of the investment.
Most people implement a traditional IRA through the retirement
programs that are provided for by their employers. With such a
plan, a certain amount of money is taken out of an employee's
paycheck and placed into the account for the IRA. This is done
before taxes are applied to that income. The employer will also
usually match the contribution. For example, a business may match a
contribution of three percent into an employee's IRA account.
Certain rules, however, must be followed. For example, the
contributions made into such an IRA cannot be more than $5,000 for
a single year. It also cannot be all of a person's income. These
rules may vary depending on certain circumstances. For example, a
joint account maintained by a married couple has a maximum
contribution amount of $10,000 per year.
One of the benefits of implementing a traditional IRA is the
fact that the funds in the account can be used for investments. The
kinds of investments that are allowed depend on the financial
institution that maintains the IRA. Common examples include
annuities, certificates of deposit and mutual funds. In addition to
the gains that may be produced from these investments, the funds in
the account will also earn dividends and interest.
There are also limits that determine when funds can be taken out
of the account. In the US, the funds can only be taken out after a
person is 59 years and a half old without any kind of penalty. If
taken out earlier, there will be a 10 percent fee on each amount
withdrawn. A person must also start withdrawing funds before the
age of 70 and a half. If not, up to 50 percent of the withdrawals
may be taken by the IRS.