An IRA Refresher

The almost annual changes to the income tax laws have created confusion about Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). This confusion has caused many people to ignore one of the most powerful tools available to help them secure a solid financial future.

Even with all the changes, IRAs can and should be a key part of the foundation of most people's retirement planning efforts. Here are some of the facts you should know to make sure you make fully informed IRA decisions.

1. The annual contribution limit has been increased to $3,000 for 2002 through 2004 contributions. Future increases are scheduled for later years. The only requirement is that you have at least that much income from wages or salaries.

2. Beginning with 2002 contributions, individuals ages 50 and older will be able to make catch-up contributions. These additional contributions can be up to $500 for years 2002 to 2005 and up to $1000 after that.

3. Your contribution to a "regular IRA" is tax deductible if you are not a participant in your employer's qualified retirement plan. If you are a participant in a qualified retirement plan, the deductibility of contributions to regular IRAs is determined by your adjusted gross income. For married couples filing a joint return the deduction is phased out at income levels of $60,000 to $70,000 in 2002. For single filers, the phase out is from $40,000 to $50,000.

4. Earnings on funds within an IRA are not subject to income tax as they are earned. Tax deferral allows for the funds to accumulate faster. With a "regular IRA" earnings are taxed when withdrawn from the IRA.

5. IRAs were established to be long-term retirement planning accounts. As such, the IRS imposes a penalty tax of an additional 10% if funds are distributed before reaching age 59 ½. There are a few exceptions to this rule including a first time home purchase.

6. If you have established IRAs at different institutions over the years, you can consolidate them into one account to make it easier to keep track of your funds. If done properly, there are no income tax consequences to this consolidation.

7. IRAs can serve as the account to receive a distribution from your employer's qualified plan when you change employers or retire. Tax deferral is maintained and you may have additional investment flexibility.

8. You must begin taking distributions from a regular IRA at age 70 ½.

Roth IRAs

A few years ago, a new type of IRA was created that has become an attractive alternative to the "regular IRA." This new "Roth IRA" (named after the Delaware senator) has the same $3,000 annual contribution limit for 2002 through 2004 and the same tax deferral benefits on earnings within the IRA. Similar to regular IRAs, catch-up contributions are allowed.

The biggest differences are that the contributions are not tax deductible and that distributions are not subject to income tax. When comparing regular and Roth IRAs, the trade-off is usually whether the loss of deductibility on current contributions is worth the benefit of never having to pay income taxes on the future earnings of the funds within the IRA. Roth IRAs also provide more distribution flexibility. For many, the Roth IRA can result in superior long-term benefits.

Some General Guidelines

1. If you can afford it, contributions to both an IRA and a 401(k) plan can help you accumulate funds faster. If you can only do one, probably the 401(k) should be chosen because of possible employer matches and deductibility of contributions.
2. The value of the tax deferral on earnings within a regular IRA increases the longer the funds are in the IRA. Non-deductible contributions to a Roth IRA should be considered carefully.

Special rules cover the conversion of regular IRAs to Roth IRAs. The advantages can be large but there will be a current tax liability. Be sure to consult with a qualified advisor for an evaluation.