IRA Rules: 8 Things You Need to Know

It's especially important to understand how each type of IRA works when it comes to things like contributions, tax deductibility, and withdrawals because these features can affect your finances now and down the road.

For example, maybe you're on a tight budget but want to start saving for retirement as soon as possible.

"In that case, the potential up-front tax deduction that a traditional IRA offers could help you save more now and get a head start," said Rob Williams, managing director of financial planning, retirement income, and wealth management for the Schwab Center for Financial Research.

Or maybe you expect to be in a higher tax bracket when you retire and could benefit more from tax-free withdrawals and the option to leave your savings to a loved one tax-free. According to Rob, that could mean a Roth IRA makes more sense for you. But in both cases, you'll need to meet certain requirements to get the benefits.

"The best IRA for you, if any, depends heavily on your specific situation and goals—in other words, which type of IRAs you qualify for and what you’re trying to achieve with your IRA," Rob explained.

Here are eight key facts to help you make an IRA decision that's right for you.

If you or your spouse contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan, you can still open an IRA. With a Roth IRA, you'll need to meet the income limits to contribute. With a traditional IRA, you can contribute as long as you have earned income, but you'll need to meet income limits to get a tax deduction.

Higher income levels can reduce the amount you're allowed to contribute to a Roth IRA or make you ineligible for the year. If you're a single filer, for instance, your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must be below $138,000 for 2023 to contribute the maximum amount. And contributions phase out once your MAGI reaches $153,000. Married couples filing jointly must have a MAGI below $218,000 for 2023 to contribute the maximum amount, with contributions phasing out at $228,000.

If you (and your spouse) don't have a retirement plan at work, traditional IRA contributions are fully tax deductible. However, if you're single and have a plan at work, or you and your spouse both have plans at work, the amount you can deduct depends on your income and filing status. For example, single filers must have a MAGI of $73,000 or less to take the full deduction for 2023. Single filers with a MAGI between $73,000 and $83,000 can get a partial deduction. And those with a higher MAGI can still contribute but won't get a deduction on their 2023 taxes.

Roth IRAs may offer more flexibility than traditional IRAs when it comes to withdrawing your money. You can withdraw your contributions anytime for any reason. And once you turn 59 ½ and have had the account for at least five years, you can also withdraw any growth or earnings on your investments with no tax or penalty. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, this could lead to greater tax savings.

For 2023, you can contribute up to $6,500 to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA if you're under 50—or up to $7,500 if you're 50 or older. You can contribute to multiple IRAs in the same year (for example, a Roth and a traditional IRA). But your combined contributions can't exceed the annual maximum. Your contributions also can't exceed your earned income for the year.

In most cases, you'll owe a 10% penalty if you take contributions or earnings out of a traditional IRA before age 59 ½. With a Roth IRA, you must be 59 ½ and have had your account for at least five years to withdraw earnings, or you'll owe a penalty and income tax. But the IRS does allow exceptions, such as a first-time home purchase, educational expenses, unreimbursed medical costs, birth or adoption costs, and a few others.    

Another benefit of an IRA is that you can name beneficiaries to inherit it. Heirs don't pay a penalty for taking the money out before age 59 ½. But if they inherit a traditional IRA, they'll owe income tax on withdrawals. If you leave your heirs a Roth IRA, they can withdraw the money tax-free. Other rules apply to inherited IRAs, so be sure to understand your options. 

Owners of traditional IRAs must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their account at age 73. If you don't withdraw the minimum amount by the deadline, you'll be subject to a penalty. On the other hand, Roth IRAs aren't subject to RMDs, so you can leave the money in your account for potential growth or withdraw it without increasing your taxable income. 

Keep in mind, traditional and Roth IRAs aren't the only types of IRAs. Depending on your situation, you may also want to consider a spousal IRA for spouses with no earned income (requires a joint tax return), a SEP or SIMPLE IRA for small business owners, or a rollover IRA if you want to move funds over from an old employer-sponsored retirement plan.