Which IRA is Right for Me?

The Vantagepoint Roth IRA and the Vantagepoint Traditional IRA can both help you address financial needs but their tax rules differ significantly. A Roth IRA provides potentially tax-free earnings while you may receive a tax deduction for contributions to a Traditional IRA. The table below compares the two types, including IRS limits for both 2019 and 2020 tax year contributions.

You can open a Roth or Traditional IRA with ICMA-RC. You may make 2019 tax year contributions until the tax-filing deadline in 2020.

Roth IRATraditional IRA
Key tax advantage Tax-free growth potential Contributions may be tax deductible
Maximum Annual Contribution 2020 tax year: $6,000, or $7,000 if age 50 or over
2019 tax year: $6,000, or $7,000 if age 50 or over
Eligibility

No age requirement; any individual with earned income within the following guidelines*:

2020 tax year contributions

EligibilityMarriedSingle
Full <$196,000 <$124,000
Partial $196,000–$206,000 $124,000–$139,000
None ≥$206,000 ≥$139,000

2019 tax year contributions

EligibilityMarriedSingle
Full <$193,000 <$122,000
Partial $193,000–$203,000 $122,000–$137,000
None ≥$203,000 ≥$137,000

*Dollar figures represent Modified Adjusted Gross Income, on your 1040 tax form

 Anyone with earned income from wages or salary under the age of 70½ (on December 31 of the year).
Earnings grow tax-deferred Yes Yes
Earnings taxed upon withdrawal No, if held five years and you are 59½ or older or due to qualifying “first-time” home purchase, disability, or death. Yes
Earning subject to penalty tax

No, if you are 59½ or older, or qualify for an exception.
Contributions taxed upon withdrawal No Yes, if deductible
Contributions deductible from income tax No

Contributions are tax deductible within the following income limits*:

2020 tax year contributions

DeductibilityMarriedSingle
Full ≤$104,000 ≤$65,000
Partial $104,000–$124,000 $65,000–$75,000
None ≥$124,000 ≥$75,000

2019 tax year contributions

DeductibilityMarriedSingle
Full ≤$103,000 ≤$64,000
Partial $103,000–$123,000 $64,000–$74,000
None ≥$123,000 ≥$74,000
Contributions eligible for tax credit

A tax credit of as much as $1,000 is available to low- and middle-income savers who contribute to an IRA. View the IRS website for more information.
Subject to IRS required minimum distributions after age 70½ No Yes
Contributions allowed after age 70½ Yes No. Contributions may not be made beginning in the year you turn age 70½.
Portability – rollovers and transfers between accounts

You may generally move money from employer-sponsored retirement plans (401, 403(b), 457) and other IRA accounts to a Traditional IRA without tax consequences.

Assets moved ("converted") from retirement accounts to a Roth IRA are subject to tax, but future earnings may be tax-free.

For more information about IRS rules, view IRS Publication 590 (www.irs.gov).

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