Roth versus Traditional IRA: Which is Better?

For most taxpayers, you have until April 15th of the following year to contribute up to $7,000 ($8,000 if age 50 or over) into a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Is an IRA an option worth considering for you? If so, which is better?​

Traditional IRA
A Traditional IRA is an individual savings account that allows you to contribute money for your retirement. Depending on your income level, you may deduct the contributions from your taxable income. Any earnings made in a Traditional IRA account remain tax-deferred until the money is withdrawn from the account. After the account holder reaches age 73 you may no longer make contributions into your Traditional IRA and minimum required distributions must be taken from the account each year. Anyone with earned income can create a Traditional IRA, but if you also have a retirement account with an employer, there are income limits to the amount you can contribute to your IRA in pre-tax dollars.

Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that allows you to contribute income that has already been taxed (after-tax dollars). Withdrawals of earnings on contributions from Roth IRA accounts are federal income tax-free so long as a 5-year holding period has been met and the account holder is at least 59 1/2 years old, disabled, or deceased. Withdrawals of contributions are always tax-free since you already paid the tax on the contributions. There are no required minimum distributions nor are there age limits for contributions. In 2024, individuals who earn more than $161,000 and married joint filers who earn more than $240,000 are ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA.

Which is better?

• Traditional IRA contributions that qualify for pre-tax treatment will allow a larger beginning investment to compound over time versus a Roth IRA.
• Roth IRA contributions, though smaller because of tax treatment, could create earnings that are never taxed.
• Roth IRA accounts have more flexible contribution and withdrawal rules.

So the answer is. . .it all depends. If you think tax rates will be significantly higher when you withdraw your retirement savings, then think seriously about a Roth IRA. This is the case in 2026 when temporary tax laws expire and the maximum tax rate returns to 39.5% (currently 37%).

If you think your retirement account investments will perform well, then perhaps the earnings growth in a Traditional IRA will more than pay for the additional tax at time of withdrawal.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.  
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at [email protected]. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Mia Verc, CPA;  Janice Papais, CPA