The Roth IRA was first introduced in 1998, quickly gaining popularity as the new retirement planning investment vehicle. The main difference between the Roth IRA and the Traditional IRA is that contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible and therefore come from after-tax income. However, the income generated by the Roth IRA is tax-free upon qualified withdrawal. In other words, traditional IRAs offer tax deferral while Roth IRA earnings are

Rollover - A distribution from a traditional IRA can be contributed to a Roth IRA within 60 days after distribution. Trustee-to-trustee transfer - The financial institution holding the traditional IRA assets will provide directions on how to transfer those assets to a Roth IRA with another financial institution. See similar questions...

Both traditional and Roth IRAs are retirement accounts, so early withdrawals may be penalized and/or taxed. For both plans, there are usually some limits on contributions, and interest your money earns over the years is free from income taxes. Benefits of a traditional IRA include tax-deferred earnings now by lowering your income at tax time, and Roth IRAs offer tax free disbursals in retirement. See similar questions...

Yes, you can. But remember that you can only contribute up to $3,000 per year to any combination of Traditional and Roth IRAs that you have. You cannot contribute $3,000 to each. See similar questions...

No. IRAs may only be transferred to the same type of IRA (i.e. Traditional to Traditional, Roth to Roth, etc.) Also note that IRAs cannot contain any margin loans, short positions, or equity option positions. See similar questions...

You must perform this conversion before you transfer your IRA to IB. Your Modified Adjusted Gross Income can't exceed $100,000 (single or joint filers) in the year of the conversion. See similar questions...

Yes. Tax law provisions allow you to convert (roll over) your Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Certain eligibility requirements (income and tax filing status) apply, such as: your AGI cannot exceed $100,000, and married individuals filing separately may not convert Traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. Conversion is considered a taxable distribution from your current Traditional IRA for prior earnings and deductible contributions, but not subject to the 10% penalty tax. See similar questions...

Maybe. If your modified adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less (in the year you switch) you qualify to transfer an existing (Traditional) IRA into a Roth IRA. However, married taxpayers filing separately cannot make such a transfer. Keep in mind taxes will have to be paid on the amount transferred from an existing (Traditional) IRA at the time the switch is made. Therefore, if you should transfer or not depends on your specific situation. See similar questions...

You must complete the conversion within 60 days. Because Tax penalties can be assessed if not handled properly, we recommend that you check with a North Shore Bank Investment Advisor or your tax advisor before initiating this type of transaction. No. Unlike with traditional IRAs, which require distributions to begin at age 70, your earnings can continue to grow in a Roth IRA until you need them. See similar questions...

You can easily convert a Traditional IRA into a Roth IRA without any penalties. However, deferred taxes on the Traditional IRA must be paid upon conversion. See similar questions...

The maximum contribution is $4,000 for 2005 and 2006 or 100% of your compensation, whichever is less. If you are eligible and choose to make contributions to both a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, the total of your contributions to both may not exceed the lesser of $4,000 for 2005 and 2006 or the 100% of compensation limit. In addition, catch-up contributions of $500 for 2005 and $1,000 for 2006 are permitted for any individual who is 50 or older. See similar questions...

Yes, as long as you follow IRS guidelines and your total contribution to both IRA types does not exceed 100% of earned income up to contribution limit. Learn more. North Shore Bank does not guarantee the information listed on our 3rd party links. The material on these pages may change over time and North Shore Bank is not responsible for the content that appears on these pages. See similar questions...

You can transfer existing IRA assets into a new IRA account by completing the Driehaus Mutual Funds IRA Application and the Transfer of Assets Form, found in the online IRA application kits.  You must check the “transfer of assets” box.  This gives PFPC, Driehaus Mutual Funds' transfer agent, permission to request your assets from your current IRA custodian. See similar questions...

A ROTH IRA is an individual retirement account established by individuals that provides tax-free income after 5 years and age 59-1/2. See similar questions...

You can't contribute to a Roth IRA for a year with income above $110,000 if single or $160,000 on a joint return. You must have earnings from personal services-$4,000 or more to make the (maximum) contribution - though an additional contribution of $1,000 is allowed persons age 50 and over. The $4,000 amount for earnings and contributions rises higher after 2007. See similar questions...