A Roth Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA) allows a person who does not exceed certain income limits to invest money by making non tax-deductible contributions that can grow tax-deferred and potentially be withdrawn tax free. Working taxpayers and nonworking spouses of any age may be eligible to open a Roth IRA.
You should consider a Roth IRA if you:
- Are looking for tax-deferred growth with tax-free withdrawals when you retire
- Are already covered by an employer retirement plan and your income is too high to make deductible contributions to a Traditional IRA
- Think your taxes will be higher when you retire
Is a Roth IRA right for you?
Although there are income limitations, some investors can receive greater tax savings and more distribution flexibility with a Roth IRA than with a Traditional IRA. It may be a solution when looking for tax savings in the future.
Tax features
What are the tax features?
Contributions are made after-tax so you cannot deduct them from your taxable income. However, assets in the Roth IRA can grow tax-deferred and qualified distributions are tax free.
A tax strategy in retirement
The tax benefits of a Roth IRA come into play when money is withdrawn. Since qualified distributions are tax free, they are not considered income. This can be used as a helpful tool to optimize your taxable income in retirement. For example, if in retirement you are drawing from a 401(k), but you don’t want to draw more than a certain amount because the income will boost you into a larger tax bracket, you might consider withdrawing some from your Roth IRA to limit your total taxable income.
Investments
How much can I invest?
The amount you can invest to a Roth IRA depends on how much modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) you earn and the contribution limits set by the IRS. These limits can change each year. Also, if you have reached age 50 on or before December 31 of the year in which the contribution is being made, you may be eligible to contribute an additional amount called a “catch-up” contribution of $1,000. However, your Roth IRA contribution can’t exceed your earned income for that tax year. The maximum eligible contribution is $7,000 for 2024 and 2025.
Please refer to the Roth IRA tax year contribution limits to determine if you are eligible to contribute. Your exact contribution amount can be calculated using the worksheets found in IRS Publication 590.
What are the investment minimums?
Minimum initial investment to open a Roth IRA at Janus Henderson is $100 with an automatic investment of at least $50. If you don't establish an automatic investment, the minimum initial investment is $1,000. Subsequent one-time purchases must be at least $50.
What happens if I invest too much?
Investments made to an IRA or retirement account that are above allowable limits are called excess contributions. This can also happen if you were ineligible to contribute in the first place. In either scenario, excess contributions may be subject to additional taxes or penalties.
There may be several methods to remedying an excess contribution, but it’s always best to consult a certified tax advisor to find which solution works best for your situation. Contact us to learn about your excess contribution options with Janus Henderson.
Are there any investment deadlines?
Yes. You can contribute to a Roth IRA for a specific tax year starting January 1 of that year and you must make all contributions for the tax year by the tax filing deadline, which is typically April 15 of the following year.
Generally, you cannot make contributions after that date even if you file for an income tax extension.
Fees
What are the fees for a Roth IRA?
There is no cost to open an account and no annual maintenance fees when account minimum thresholds are met.
Withdrawals
How do I request an account withdrawal?
Depending on the account options you have selected, you may redeem shares by telephone, online or in writing.
Since initial contributions to the Roth IRA are made after tax, they can be withdrawn at any time without taxes or penalty. However, any earnings may be taxed and penalized for non-qualified withdrawals.
The 5-Year Rule
Generally, in order to be eligible for qualified distributions, a person must have established a Roth IRA account for at least five years. In addition, any retirement assets that are converted to a Roth IRA must have a 5-year holding period before distributions can be considered qualified.
Typically, withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax free after you turn age 59½. There are also no penalties on withdrawals after you turn age 59½ and you meet the 5-year rule. Withdrawing prior to age 59½ may result in a 10% early withdrawal penalty and earnings are taxed as current income.
If you need to withdraw prior to 59½, check to see if these exceptions to the penalty apply.
Am I required to take money out of the account?
Roth IRAs do not have required minimum distributions, unless you have inherited a Roth IRA.
Helpful information
What other information might be helpful to know?
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have earned income, you can contribute to a Roth IRA, regardless of your age. And Roth IRAs could be a beneficial vehicle to pass money tax-free to your heirs.
If you’re not eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA due to income restrictions, consider contributing to a Traditional IRA, then converting to a Roth since there is no income limit to do so.
The Janus Henderson Universal IRA Disclosure Statement and Custodial Agreement provides complete details about IRA accounts at Janus Henderson.
Related Content
Contact a Janus Henderson Representative
Our Janus Henderson Representatives will answer your questions and assist you through the movement of assets process. We are available at 800.525.3713 weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.