What is a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account funded with after-tax dollars. Contributions are not deductible, but qualified withdrawals can be received free from federal income tax.
The account provides the tax structure. The investments you choose inside it determine the portfolio's risk and return.
Pay the tax today. Potentially avoid tax on qualified withdrawals later.
Roth IRA contributions are generally made with money that has already been subject to income tax. There is no current federal income-tax deduction for making a Roth IRA contribution.
In exchange, investments can grow within the account without annual federal taxation, and qualified distributions can ultimately be withdrawn free from federal income tax.
No federal deduction for the Roth IRA contribution.
Investments can compound inside the Roth IRA without annual federal taxation on gains, dividends, or interest.
When applicable requirements are satisfied, qualified Roth IRA distributions are generally not included in federal taxable income.
A Roth IRA is an account. It is not an investment.
A Roth IRA is a type of retirement account—not a specific investment product.
The Roth IRA determines how the account is treated for tax purposes. Stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, cash, and other eligible securities held inside the account determine how the money is actually invested.
Retirement-account structure and tax treatment.
Stocks, bonds, ETFs, cash, funds, and other eligible investments.
An investment portfolio operating within the Roth IRA's tax structure.
Why might someone use a Roth IRA?
Potential Tax-Free Retirement Income
Qualified Roth IRA withdrawals can be received without federal income tax, which may provide flexibility when managing taxable income during retirement.
Tax-Advantaged Compounding
Investment earnings can remain inside the Roth IRA without generating annual federal taxes while they remain in the account.
No Lifetime RMDs for the Owner
The original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum distributions during their lifetime under current federal rules.
Retirement Tax Diversification
Holding accounts with different tax characteristics may provide additional flexibility when deciding how to fund spending during retirement.
Investment Flexibility
Depending on the custodian, a Roth IRA can provide access to a broad range of investment choices.
Long Investment Horizon
Because the original owner does not have lifetime RMDs, assets that are not needed for current spending can potentially remain invested for an extended period.
How much can you contribute to a Roth IRA?
Roth IRAs share the federal annual IRA contribution limit with Traditional IRAs. The limit applies across an individual's eligible IRA contributions rather than separately to each account.
Maximum combined annual contribution to eligible Traditional and Roth IRAs, subject to taxable compensation and other applicable rules.
Includes the additional $1,100 IRA catch-up contribution available for individuals age 50 or older in 2026.
For example, an eligible investor generally cannot contribute $7,500 to a Traditional IRA and another $7,500 to a Roth IRA for the same year. The annual limit applies to eligible contributions across both account types combined.
Income can limit your ability to contribute directly.
Eligibility to make a direct Roth IRA contribution is subject to modified adjusted gross income limits.
As income enters the applicable phase-out range, the maximum direct Roth IRA contribution is gradually reduced. At or above the upper end of the range, a direct Roth IRA contribution generally is not permitted.
*Subject to taxable compensation and other applicable contribution rules. Different rules apply to certain married taxpayers filing separately. Income thresholds may change from year to year.
What can you invest in inside a Roth IRA?
Opening a Roth IRA does not automatically invest the money. The assets inside the account still need to be allocated according to the investor's objectives, investment horizon, financial circumstances, and tolerance for risk.
A Roth IRA invested in stocks or other market-sensitive assets can experience significant losses. The Roth tax structure does not protect the portfolio from investment risk.
Contributions and investment earnings are treated differently.
This is one of the most important concepts to understand about a Roth IRA.
Regular Contributions
Under federal Roth IRA ordering rules, regular contributions are generally treated as being distributed first. A return of regular Roth IRA contributions is not included in gross income.
Investment Earnings
Earnings receive their full federal tax-free treatment when the distribution qualifies under applicable Roth IRA rules. Nonqualified distributions of earnings can potentially create income tax and an additional tax.
When are Roth IRA earnings qualified for tax-free withdrawal?
For a Roth IRA distribution to be a qualified distribution, federal law generally requires satisfaction of a five-year holding period beginning with the first tax year for which a contribution was made to a Roth IRA established for the individual's benefit.
In addition to satisfying that five-year requirement, the distribution generally must meet a qualifying condition.
The applicable five-year Roth IRA period has been satisfied.
- Age 59½ or older
- Qualifying disability
- Distribution following death
- Certain qualifying first-home distributions
The original Roth IRA owner does not have lifetime RMDs.
Under current federal law, the owner of a Roth IRA does not have to begin Required Minimum Distributions simply because they reach a particular age.
That can allow Roth IRA assets that are not needed for current spending to remain invested within the account throughout the owner's lifetime.
Different distribution requirements can apply after the owner's death. Beneficiary rules depend on the beneficiary and other circumstances.
Money can also enter a Roth IRA through a conversion.
A Roth conversion generally involves moving eligible assets from a Traditional IRA or certain other retirement arrangements into a Roth IRA.
The portion converted that would otherwise have been taxable is generally included in income for the year of conversion. Once inside the Roth IRA, the converted assets become subject to Roth IRA rules.
The potential long-term benefit should be evaluated against the current tax cost, expected future tax circumstances, investment horizon, available liquidity, estate objectives, and other financial considerations.
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: the basic difference.
Potential tax benefit today.
Contributions may be deductible depending on the investor's circumstances. Taxable distributions are generally recognized later when money leaves the account.
Learn about Traditional IRAs →Potential tax benefit later.
Contributions are not deductible. In exchange, qualified distributions can be received free from federal income tax.
Which tax structure is more appropriate depends on individual circumstances and expectations regarding current and future taxes.
When might a Roth IRA be worth considering?
Long Time Horizon
Investors with many years before they expect to use the assets may place significant value on long-term tax-advantaged compounding.
Future Tax Flexibility
Roth assets may provide another source of retirement funds when an investor wants greater control over taxable income.
Expectations About Future Taxes
Investors who expect their applicable tax rate to be higher in the future may place greater value on paying tax before assets enter a Roth structure.
Assets Not Needed for Current Spending
The absence of lifetime RMDs for the original owner can be valuable for investors who may not need to draw from the account during retirement.
A few things Roth IRA investors sometimes misunderstand.
Roth IRA contributions are not deductible for federal income-tax purposes.
Regular contributions and qualified distributions receive favorable treatment, but different rules can apply to conversions and earnings.
The annual IRA contribution limit generally applies across eligible Traditional and Roth IRA contributions combined.
The Roth structure provides tax advantages. It does not guarantee investment performance or prevent market losses.
Direct contributions are subject to income and compensation requirements.
The original Roth IRA owner does not currently have lifetime required minimum distributions.
Common questions about Roth IRAs.
Are Roth IRA contributions tax deductible?
No. Roth IRA contributions are generally made with after-tax money and are not deductible for federal income-tax purposes.
Can I lose money in a Roth IRA?
Yes. A Roth IRA provides an account structure and tax treatment. Investments held inside the account can increase or decrease in value.
Can I contribute to both a Traditional IRA and Roth IRA?
An eligible investor may contribute to both account types, but the annual IRA contribution limit generally applies to the combined contributions rather than separately to each account.
Do Roth IRAs have required minimum distributions?
Under current federal rules, the original Roth IRA owner does not have required minimum distributions during their lifetime.
Can I own stocks in a Roth IRA?
Roth IRAs at many custodians can hold individual stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, cash, and other eligible investments.
What is the Roth IRA five-year rule?
One Roth IRA five-year rule is used when determining whether a distribution is qualified. Separate five-year considerations can apply to conversions.
A powerful tax structure still needs an investment strategy.
PortfolioLab builds and manages customized retirement portfolios based on each client's objectives, time horizon, tolerance for risk, liquidity needs, existing investments, and broader financial circumstances.
Request a Portfolio ReviewThis material is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Federal and state tax treatment can vary, and IRA contribution limits, income thresholds, distribution rules, and other provisions may change. Roth conversions may create current income-tax liabilities and may not be appropriate for every investor. Investors should consult an appropriate tax professional regarding their individual circumstances. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.