Series 66: Facts To Memorize About IRAs

Facts to Memorize About IRAs

Both Traditional and Roth IRAs are subject to a number of rules about who can contribute and how much. The limits on these amounts change annually, so be sure to look up the current limits in each of these areas prior to taking the exam.

• • Eligibility to contribute to a traditional IRA—Individuals can contribute from their earned income (not investment income) to a traditional IRA up to the annual contribution limits and up until age 70 1/2. If neither a person’s employer nor their spouse’s employer offers retirement plans, then their contribution is always deductible. If their or their spouse’s employer does offer a retirement plan, then deductibility of their traditional IRA contribution may be limited by making too high an income for the year.
• • Eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA—Individuals can contribute to a Roth IRA whether or not they are covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan and no matter what their age. However, all taxpayers are subject to income limitations on how much they can contribute, with the highest income taxpayers not being permitted to make any Roth IRA contributions.

Note: Everyone under age 70 1/2 with earned income can