There are three different tax treatments for distributions of earnings from Roth IRAs. The distribution is either: The income tax applies to all withdrawals of earnings made before the "Five-Year Holding Period" is satisfied even if the Roth IRA owner is over 59 1/2, disabled, dies or uses the distribution for a first home purchase.

All earnings and deductible contributions become subject to tax on withdrawal. The tax rate is based on the individual's ordinary income tax rate at the time of withdrawal. If your tax bracket is lower when you receive a distribution than when your IRA earned income, you benefit from tax savings in addition to tax deferral on the earnings. Taxable distributions taken before you reach age 59½ are subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. See similar questions...

There is no requirement that you start receiving distributions from your Roth IRA at a particular time. Withdrawals from your ROTH IRA will, however, be tax-free only after five (5) years of opening your account and if you are over age 59-1/2. I’ve started taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) out of my IRAs. Can I still convert them to a Roth IRA even though I am over 70-1/2. Yes. Age is not a factor. Anyone can convert IRAs to a Roth IRA. See similar questions...

You're not required to take distributions from a Roth IRA as long as you live. You can allow your money to grow in a Roth IRA free of current taxes for as long as you choose. See similar questions...

The heir can spread the withdrawal over his or her life, continuing the tax shelter for amounts not withdrawn. 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...

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...

of this time, the IRS has not finalized regulations about Roth 401(k) contributions. Therefore, distributions (including hardship distributions and loans) will not be able to be made from Roth 401(k) money until the final rules are issued. We expect these rules early in 2006. Of course, a participant would still have access to his account balance from other money sources. See similar questions...

Your distribution will be taxed as ordinary income in the year received. Amounts remaining in the account will continue to grow tax-deferred until distribution. Federal income tax withholding applies only when a distribution occurs or is deemed to occur. Therefore, in the case of a transfer or direct rollover, withholding does not apply. If you receive a distribution that is eligible to be rolled over from your 403(b) program, a 20% mandatory income tax withholding will apply. See similar questions...

In most cases, the payments you receive, or that are made available to you from a 403(b) are taxable in full as ordinary income. In general, the same tax rules apply to distribution from a 403(b) that apply to distributions from other retirement plans. For more detailed information refer to IRS Publication 571. You can obtain this document by clicking on IRS Publications and scrolling to Publication 571 Tax Sheltered Annuity Programs. See similar questions...

You must generally report as income any mutual fund distribution, whether or not it is reinvested. The tax law generally treats mutual fund shareholders as if they directly owned a proportionate share of the fund's portfolio of securities. (The fund itself is not taxed on its income if certain tests are met and substantially all of its income is distributed to its shareholders. 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...

If your income falls below a certain limit, you can convert any amount in your Rollover or regular IRA to a Roth IRA. Caution: You must pay taxes on any amounts converted from your Rollover or regular IRA to a ROTH IRA. Maybe. Your converted retirement funds in your Roth IRA will grow tax free as opposed to growing on a tax-deferred basis. In essence, you stop the tax clock by paying your taxes today on your retirement funds for the benefit of withdrawing your money tax-free tomorrow. See similar questions...

No. You can convert several IRAs – SEP, Simple IRA, regular IRA or Rollover IRA– to a Roth IRA as long as your modified adjusted gross income is below $100,000 See similar questions...

You can contribute up to $4,000 ($4,500 if you are age 50 or older in 2005 and $5,000 if you are age 50 or older in 2006) or up to 100% of your compensation whichever is less. If you are eligible to do so, you may contribute to both a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA in the same year, but the total amount you contribute cannot exceed the annual limits. Roth IRA contributions are not tax deductible. See similar questions...

Money can be withdrawn at any time. However, earnings included in distributions taken prior to age 59 ½ may be subject to both income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as shown below in the next question. Conversion amounts may also be subject to the 10% penalty. See similar questions...