what is an ira

What Is an IRA – Securing Your Future

What is an IRA? An IRA is an Individual Retirement Account, and provides the account owner with either a tax-deferred or tax-free way of saving toward retirement. There are several different kinds of IRAs, and deciding which is ideal for a person depends on their particular situation and retirement needs . An IRA is simply a savings plan with certain restrictions. In a Traditional IRA, the account owner defers paying taxes on the contributions and earnings from these savings until the money is withdrawn . Funds cannot be distributed until the owner reaches age 59 ½ years old, and any early withdrawal prior to that is subject to a tax penalty. Every individual retirement account has its own tax implications and standards for eligibility. In a Roth IRA, contributions to the account are made with after-tax money so all transactions within the account has no tax repercussions for the owner. Distributions from the Roth IRA are tax free, as long as the owner has reached age 59 ½ and the account has been seasoned for five years. Rather than giving a tax break for IRA contributions, the Roth IRA provides the advantage at distribution , and helps the investment profits grow tax free in the account . What is an IRA? It’s JUST the account that holds the investments. So choosing a Traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, a SEP IRA or any other type of individual retirement account will depend on the investor and their retirement goals . Many people choose either a Roth or Traditional IRA, but opt for the self-directed option. A self-directed IRA puts the most control in the hands of the account owner, who makes the critical decisions for the plan. With a self-directed IRA, the owner decides on the custodian firm to hold the account. Frequently they decide on a custodian with experience in alternative investments, providing non-traditional choices beyond the conventional stocks, bonds and mutual funds to include tax liens, real estate and real estate notes, even gold and silver . The custodian firm makes investments at the direction of the account owner, and on the owner’s behalf.

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Posted by Self Directed IRA Store - March 17, 2011 at 8:33 am

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What Is an IRA – Simple and Successful

What is an IRA? It’s simply the individual retirement account that holds investments. So choosing a Traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, a SEP IRA or any other kind of individual retirement account will be determined by the investor and their retirement goals . Many people select either a Roth or Traditional IRA, but favor the self-directed option. A self-directed IRA puts the ultimate control in the hands of the account owner, who makes the critical decisions for the account . With a self-directed IRA, the owner decides on the custodian firm to house the account . Often they choose a custodian with experience in alternative investments, providing non-traditional opportunities beyond the conventional stocks, bonds and mutual funds that include tax liens, real estate and real estate notes, even precious metals . The custodian firm makes investments as instructed by the account owner, and on the owner’s behalf. Depending on the kind of IRA, there are qualifying factors and contribution caps . Regulations differ on approved investments, but a self-directed IRA allows for greater options. The custodial firm holding the IRA can decide on the menu of investment products available , so the choice of a custodian is important and often based on the opportunities offered. Individual Retirement Accounts were announced in 1974 with the enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. In 1981, the Economic Recovery Tax Act made it possible for all taxpayers under the age of 70 ½ to contribute to an IRA, regardless of their coverage under an employment-based pension plan. What is an IRA? It is just a retirement plan account providing retirement savings advantages to the American taxpayer. There are a lot of different kinds of accounts in the world of IRAs. They offer tax-deferred or tax-free savings for the account owner, and help grow retirement wealth . What is an IRA? It is basically an account that provides huge tax benefits when used to save money for retirement. Choose wisely

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Posted by Self Directed IRA Store - March 16, 2011 at 8:32 am

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IRA SEP – Simple to Set Up

The IRA SEP is a newer version of the original individual retirement account, but altered to provide those same functions for business owners and for the self-employed. It is an attractive compromise for any small employer who would like to provide a retirement or pension plan, but does not have the resources to establish a more conventional kind of plan. SEP stand for Simplified Employee Pension and true to its name the IRA SEP is simple to set-up and to manage , at a very low cost. To be eligible for the plan, an employee must be at least 21 years old , have worked for the employer for three of the past five years and been paid at least $550 in compensation. Contribution limits are very generous, up to 25% of the employee’s compensation, but there are no contribution obligations. An employer can change the amount and the frequency of contribution depending on the business profitability every year. The contributions could be put on hiatus if dictated by economic or business conditions. The IRA SEP does not require complicated reporting to the IRS on annual returns, so administration is streamlined. Most employers select a mutual fund company to fund their employee’s accounts. This allows the individual employees to determine their own investment choices. The plan is portable, and can be rolled over into another qualified retirement plan should employment change. Disbursements from the IRA SEP can start as early as age 59 ½ years old, although there is a 10% IRS penalty incurred for earlier withdrawals . And mandatory distributions start no later than age 70 ½ years old. Contributions to the IRA SEP are tax deductible and earnings in the account grow tax-deferred. Because the high contribution limit allows for up to 25% of the employee yearly compensation, there is an excellent opportunity to quickly build retirement savings in the account. The IRA SEP provides solid benefits for employers, employees and for the self-employed, and is well worth considering.

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Posted by Self Directed IRA Store - March 3, 2011 at 8:36 am

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