Individual Retirement Accounts
Individual Retirement Accounts:
IRAs, or Individual Retirement Accounts, are one of the simplest ways to save for retirement and your child’s education. IRAs are special classifications for tax purposes. M-O FCU offers our members three different types of IRAs – the actual investment can be either IRA share (savings) or an IRA share certificate at competitive rates.
Roth IRAs
A Roth IRA offers different tax incentives than a Traditional IRA to boost your retirement savings. Contributions to a Roth IRA are never tax-deductible, but the money you contribute can be withdrawn tax free at any time. If you qualify, you can withdraw the earnings tax free too.
You are eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA if your income is less than the defined IRS limits and you are employed (or your spouse is employed and you file a joint return). If your income is too high to contribute the annual contribution limit, you may be able to make a smaller contribution.
You have until the due date for filing your federal income tax return for the year to contribute to your IRA. For most individuals, this is on or around April 15. There is an annual contribution limit set in place. In some cases you are allowed to make a catch-up contribution if you are over a certain age.
* This information is not intended to provide tax advice. See a competent tax adviser to help you determine which type of IRA best suits your needs.
Traditional IRAs
A Traditional IRA allows you to save for retirement with tax-deferred earnings and the possibility of tax-deductible contributions. These tax advantages make the Traditional IRA a powerful tool in creating a balanced, long-term savings plan. You may be eligible to deduct the amount of your contribution on your federal income tax return for the year. Potential earnings accrue tax-deferred on the investments within the Traditional IRA each year, increasing your IRA balance. You can withdraw your assets at any time, but tax and penalties may apply, depending on your age and what type of assets you remove. Once you reach age 72, however, you must remove a minimum amount from your Traditional IRA each year.
You are eligible to contribute to a Traditional IRA as long as you (or your spouse if filing a joint tax return) earn compensation from employment. For 2020 and later, there is no age limit on making regular contributions to Traditional or Roth IRAs.
You have until the due date for filing your federal income tax return for the year to contribute to your IRA. For most individuals, this is on or around April 15. There is an annual contribution limit set in place. In some cases you are allowed to make a catch-up contribution if you are over a certain age.
* This information is not intended to provide tax advice. See a competent tax adviser to help you determine which type of IRA best suits your needs.
Educational IRAs
Our Educational IRAs, known as a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA), can help you save for your child’s higher education expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and in some cases, room and board. Some elementary and secondary education expenses are also covered, such as tuition and fees, books and supplies, academic tutoring, uniforms, transportation, computer technology, equipment, etc.
With an ESA, you make nondeductible contributions that provide the potential for tax-free withdrawals (including earnings) down the road. Anyone (family member or non-family) can contribute to a child’s ESA, as long as the person contributing the funds has a modified adjusted gross income below or within the applicable income limits.
* This information is not intended to provide tax advice. Some conditions apply so be sure to ask an IRA specialist and/or seek competent tax advice before opening or contributing to an ESA.