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Traditional IRA Q & As

Choose from our variety of IRA savings options.

What is a traditional IRA?
A traditional IRA is a type of retirement plan that has been in existence since 1975. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred earnings and the possibility for tax-deductible contributions. These tax advantages make the traditional IRA a powerful tool in creating a balanced, long-term savings plan.
How does a traditional IRA work?
You can contribute to a traditional IRA if you earn compensation and you will not reach age 70 1/2 by the end of the year. If you file a joint tax return, you can treat your spouse's com­pensation as your own (except your combined contributions cannot exceed your combined compensation or contribution limit, whichever is less). All earnings in a traditional IRA are not taxed until they are withdrawn. The ability to defer taxes on the earnings, and to withdraw in a year when you may be in a lower tax bracket, can mean more after-tax dollars for your retirement.
How much can I contribute to a traditional IRA?
Traditional and Roth IRA Aggregate Annual Contribution Limits
Year Individual Contribution Limit Spousal Contribution Limit (Split between Spouses) "Catch-Up" for Owners Ages 50+
2006 $4,000 $8,000 $1,000
2007 $4,000 $8,000 $1,000
2008 $5,000 $10,000 $1,000
2009 $5,000 $10,000 $1,000
Can I still contribute to a traditional IRA if I participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan?
Yes, your participation in an employer-sponsored retirement plan will not affect your ability to contribute to a traditional IRA (assuming age and compensation requirements are met). However, higher-income earners will lose their ability to deduct their traditional IRA contribu­tions if participating in an employer-sponsored plan.
If I already have a Roth IRA, can I have a traditional IRA, too?
Yes, you can. However, the limits on annual contributions described on the previous page apply to any combination of Traditional and Roth IRA contributions that you make for the year.
How much can I deduct?
The table below summarizes the deduction rules. If you are single, or married and neither spouse is an active participant in a qualified retirement plan, your traditional IRA contribu­tion is deductible regardless of income. If you or your spouse is an active participant, you may deduct contributions only if your income is below certain limits.

Smaller deductions are available if your income is within the phase-out range, which is deter­mined by your filing status. Higher-income earners with retirement plans may still con­tribute, but deductions are not available if income is above the phase-out range.

If you have questions about your specific tax situation, please consult your tax advisor for an interpretation of how these rules apply to you.

Full Deduction Limited Deduction No Deduction

Single, not an active participant
Single, active participant, modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) under $50,000
Married, neither spouse an active participant
Joint filer, owner is an active participant, MAGI under $70,000 ($75,000 for 2006)
Married, spouse is an active participant, while owner is not, MAGI under $150,000

Single, active participant, MAGI $50,000-$60,000
Joint filer, owner is an active participant, joint MAGI $70,000-$80,000 ($75,000-$85,000 for 2006)
Married, spouse is an active participant, while owner is not, MAGI $150,000-$160,000

Single, active participant, MAGI over $60,000
Joint filer, owner is an active participant, MAGI over $80,000 ($85,000 for 2006)
Married, spouse is an active participant, while owner is not, MAGI over $160,000

MAGI= Modified Adjusted Gross Income
Can I get any tax credits for making IRA contributions?
The full credit is 50 percent of the first $2,000 of contributions. The full credit is available for joint filers who have joint MAGI up to $30,000, heads of households with MAGI up to $22,500, or other filers with MAGI up to $15,000. Smaller tax credits are available for joint filers with MAGI up to $50,000, heads of households with MAGI up to $37,500, or other filers with MAGI up to $25,000.
What about income taxes when I withdraw from my traditional IRA?
You will owe income taxes when you withdraw from your traditional IRA. However, if you make nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA, a portion of each withdrawal will be treated as the nontaxable return of these contributions.
When must I begin taking distributions from my traditional IRA?
You must begin taking required minimum distributions from your traditional IRA at age 70 1/2. The minimum distributions each year will be computed using an IRS formula. You are allowed to delay the first year's payment until April 1 of the following year, but you will receive two years' worth of payments in your 71 1/2 year if you choose to delay.
Can I move funds from a qualified retirement plan to a traditional IRA?
If you are entitled to receive an eligible rollover distribution from an employer's plan, you can continue deferring taxes by moving the money into a traditional IRA. The best way to do this is to inform the plan administrator that you want the funds moved directly to your traditional IRA in a direct rollover. The plan administrator will inform you before making an eligible rollover distribution.
Can I move money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?
You can move money from your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA if your adjusted gross income for the year is $100,000 or less, and you are either single or married and filing a joint tax return. In the year you convert, you will have to pay federal income taxes on the amount that you move, except the portion that is treated as the return of your traditional IRA basis. You may also be subject to state income taxes.
What happens to my traditional IRA after my death?
You may designate one or more beneficiaries to receive your IRA after your death. If your spouse is your beneficiary, he or she may directly transfer your traditional IRA to his or her own IRA tax-free. In addition, all benefici­aries have the option of taking a lump-sum payment or periodic payments over a number of years. Any tax-deferred money in your traditional IRA at the time of death will be taxed when it is distributed to your beneficiaries.