Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are powerful tools for building retirement savings while enjoying valuable tax benefits. Whether used as a complement to an employer-sponsored plan, like a 401(k), or as a standalone savings vehicle, IRAs provide flexibility and potential growth to help secure individuals’ financial futures.

However, with several types of IRAs to choose from, deciding which account to fund can feel overwhelming. The two most common types of IRAs are Traditional and Roth, and each offers distinct features and advantages depending on one’s financial goals, tax situation and income level.

Traditional IRAs

A traditional IRA allows individuals to make pre-tax contributions, which may qualify as a tax deduction and reduce taxable income in the contribution year. For 2025, the annual contribution limit is $7,000, or $8,000 for those age 50 or older and eligible for catch-up contributions. These contributions grow tax-deferred, meaning taxes on earnings are postponed until the funds are withdrawn in retirement. Once an individual reaches age 73, they must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs), which are taxed as ordinary income. Traditional IRAs can be especially beneficial for individuals who expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, as the deferred taxes could result in overall savings compared to paying taxes at higher rates during their working years.

Roth IRAs

Roth IRAs, on the other hand, are funded with after-tax dollars. While contributions do not reduce taxable income in the year they are made, the advantage lies in the tax-free growth of one’s investments. When funds are withdrawn in retirement, both the contributions and earnings are tax-free, provided that the account has been open for at least five years and the taxpayer is age 59½ or older.

For 2025, Roth IRA contribution limits are the same as those for traditional IRAs: $7,000 or $8,000 for individuals 50 or older. However, Roth IRAs have income limitations, with eligibility to contribute directly phasing out at $146,000 to $161,000 for single filers and $230,000 to $240,000 for married couples filing jointly. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs do not require RMDs, making them a more flexible savings option for those who may not need to access their funds during retirement. This flexibility, combined with tax-free growth, also makes Roth IRAs advantageous for estate planning, as the account can continue to grow tax-free for heirs.

For high-income earners who are ineligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA, the backdoor Roth IRA offers a valuable workaround. This strategy involves contributing to a traditional IRA and then converting the funds to a Roth IRA. To execute a backdoor Roth IRA, one must first make a non-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA using after-tax dollars and then convert the contribution to a Roth IRA, ideally within a few days, to minimize the chance of earning taxable investment gains in the traditional IRA before the conversion. When executed properly, the conversion incurs little to no tax liability. However, it is important to be aware of the pro-rata rule, which requires the IRS to treat all of a taxpayer’s traditional IRA accounts as one. For those who have pre-tax balances in other traditional IRAs, a portion of the conversion will be taxable. Timing also matters when executing a backdoor Roth IRA. While IRA contributions for a given tax year can be made until the tax filing deadline (typically April 15 of the following year), the conversion itself is taxed in the year it is completed. To simplify tax reporting, it is often best to complete the contribution and conversion in the same calendar year.

Weighing the Options

When deciding which IRA to fund, several factors should be considered, including one’s current and expected future tax brackets, income level and retirement goals. A traditional IRA may be the better option for those who expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement and want the immediate benefit of a tax deduction. Conversely, those who expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket in retirement may see greater long-term advantages with a Roth IRA due to its tax-free growth. For high-income earners, the backdoor Roth IRA provides a way to enjoy the benefits of a Roth IRA despite income limitations.

There are some other important factors to consider. For example, Roth IRAs may be particularly appealing to younger individuals with a longer investment horizon, as they have more time to benefit from tax-free growth. Additionally, Roth IRAs are often preferred for estate planning purposes due to the absence of RMDs, which allows the account to grow tax-free for heirs. Market conditions can also play a role in timing Roth conversions, as executing the conversion during a market downturn may help reduce the taxes owed on the conversion amount.

IRA contributions for the 2024 tax year can be made until April 15, 2025. This deadline applies to both traditional and Roth IRAs, allowing individuals to maximize contributions even after the end of the calendar year.

IRAs are essential components of a well-rounded retirement plan, offering tax advantages and opportunities for long-term growth. The decision to choose a traditional IRA, Roth IRA or implement a backdoor Roth strategy depends on each person’s unique financial situation. With proper planning and execution, these accounts can help individuals achieve a comfortable and financially secure retirement.