A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account funded with after-tax dollars where qualified withdrawals — both contributions and earnings — are completely tax-free. Established by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 under IRC §408A, it trades a tax deduction today for tax-free growth and tax-free retirement withdrawals later. Five focused articles below; the comprehensive reference is Roth IRA Rules.
Roth IRA Rules — Complete Guide
The comprehensive reference: contribution mechanics, withdrawal rules, conversions, RMDs, and 2026 figures.
Roth IRA for Beginners
A from-scratch walkthrough: what it is, how it works, who it’s for, and how to open one in five steps.
Roth IRA Benefits
The seven advantages that actually matter: tax-free growth, no lifetime RMDs, flexible withdrawals, and more.
Eligibility & Income Limits
2026 MAGI phase-outs by filing status, who can open one, and what counts as earned income.
Custodial Roth IRA for Minors
A child with earned income can have a Roth IRA. Setup mechanics, contribution rules, and the long-game compounding case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account funded with after-tax dollars where qualified withdrawals — both contributions and earnings — are completely tax-free. Established by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (IRC §408A), it differs from a traditional IRA in that you pay tax now in exchange for never paying tax on the growth or withdrawals later, provided you meet the qualification rules.
Who is eligible for a Roth IRA in 2026?
Anyone with earned income (wages, salary, self-employment income) and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below the phase-out range can contribute. For 2026: single/head of household phase-out is $153,000–$168,000; married filing jointly is $242,000–$252,000; married filing separately is $0–$10,000. Above the upper limit, no direct contribution is allowed (though the Backdoor Roth technique remains available for any income).
How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA in 2026?
The 2026 Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,500 if you are under 50, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older (the standard limit plus a $1,100 catch-up). These figures are per IRS Notice 2025-67. Contributions can be split across Roth and traditional IRAs but the combined total cannot exceed the limit.
When can I withdraw from a Roth IRA without penalty?
Direct contributions can be withdrawn at any time, at any age, with no tax and no penalty. Earnings are tax-free in a qualified distribution: the account must have been open at least five years AND you must be 59½ or older (or disabled, or paying for a first-time home purchase up to $10,000, or paid to a beneficiary after death).
What is the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA?
Tax timing. Traditional IRAs use pre-tax dollars (often deductible) and tax withdrawals as ordinary income; Roth IRAs use after-tax dollars and provide tax-free qualified withdrawals. Other differences: Roth has income-based eligibility limits while traditional does not; Roth has no required minimum distributions during the owner’s lifetime while traditional does (starting at age 73 or 75); Roth conversions trigger income tax in the conversion year.