What is the downside to a Roth IRA? (2024)

What is the downside to a Roth IRA?

Earnings can't be withdrawn tax-free until age 59½ and the account is at least 5 years old. Diversification in retirement, so all of your accounts aren't tax-deferred. The maximum contribution is relatively low compared with a 401(k). You'll probably need other accounts to save enough for retirement.

One disadvantage of the Roth IRA is that you can't contribute to one if you make too much money. The limits are based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) and tax filing status.

A Roth IRA can be a good savings option for those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in the future, making tax-free withdrawals even more advantageous. However, there are income limitations to opening a Roth IRA, so not everyone will be eligible for this type of retirement account.

For people who expect income in retirement to be as high or higher than their current level, others who expect their tax rate in retirement to be higher than today, or younger people who expect steady income growth over their careers, Roth IRA contributions may be the better choice.

There's a lot to like about Roth IRAs, including tax-free withdrawals in retirement. But the accounts do have some cons, such as no upfront tax break, and income limits for contributing. Tax Specialist | Personal finance reporter for 16+ years, including work for the Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch.

A Roth IRA can lose money like any investment. Losses may result from poor investment selection, market volatility, early withdrawals and investment fees. You can avoid losses by diversifying, watching fees closely, investing in safe assets and avoiding early withdrawals.

Let's say you open a Roth IRA and contribute the maximum amount each year. If the base contribution limit remains at $7,000 per year, you'd amass over $100,000 (assuming a 8.77% annual growth rate) after 10 years. After 30 years, you would accumulate over $900,000.

The tax argument for contributing to a Roth can easily turn upside down if you happen to be in your peak earning years. If you're now in one of the higher tax brackets, your tax rate in retirement may have nowhere to go but down.

The Bottom Line. In a 401(k) vs. Roth IRA matchup, a Roth IRA can be a better choice than a 401(k) retirement plan, as it typically offers more investment options and greater tax benefits. It may be especially useful if you think you'll be in a higher tax bracket later on.

While Roth IRAs don't lower your taxes when you contribute, they allow your money to grow tax-free indefinitely. Eliminating the taxes from your earnings can make a significant difference in your investment balance over time.

Do you pay taxes on Roth IRA?

Roth IRAs allow you to pay taxes on money going into your account and then all future withdrawals are tax-free. Roth IRA contributions aren't taxed because the contributions you make to them are usually made with after-tax money, and you can't deduct them.

The Roth IRA income limit to make a full contribution in 2024 is less than $146,000 for single filers, and less than $230,000 for those filing jointly. If you're a single filer, you're eligible to contribute a portion of the full amount if your MAGI is $146,000 or more, but less than $161,000.

The Roth IRA five-year rule says you cannot withdraw earnings tax-free until it's been at least five years since you first contributed to a Roth IRA account.

There is no age limit to open a Roth IRA, but there are income and contribution limits that investors should be aware of before funding one.

Roth IRAs grow through compounding, even during years when you can't make a contribution. There are no required minimum distributions (RMDs), so you can leave your money alone to keep growing if you don't need it.

However, not everyone is eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. In 2023, single filers with adjusted gross incomes (MAGIs) of $153,000 or more cannot contribute to a Roth IRA, while those who are married and file jointly become ineligible once their MAGI reaches $228,000.

Money that you'll need soon isn't a good candidate for conversion because your assets may not have time to recoup the taxes you would have to pay. You're currently receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits.

It is possible to lose money in a Roth IRA depending on the investments chosen. Roth IRAs are not 100% safe, but they offer the potential for growth over time. Market fluctuations and early withdrawal penalties can cause a Roth IRA to lose money.

You can withdraw contributions you made to your Roth IRA anytime, tax- and penalty-free. However, you may have to pay taxes and penalties on earnings in your Roth IRA.

Why isn't my Roth IRA making money?

There are two primary reasons your IRA may not be growing. First, you can only contribute a certain amount of money to your IRA each year. Once you hit that limit, your account cannot grow via personal contributions until the following year. This may also mean you are not making contributions when you believe you were.

If you contribute 5,000 dollars per year to a Roth IRA and earn an average annual return of 10 percent, your account balance will be worth a figure in the region of 250,000 dollars after 20 years.

Once the 5-year rule has been met, and the account owner is 59½ or older, they may make what's known as a qualified distribution of earnings exempt from both taxes and penalties. Note: The 5-year aging requirement applies to all Roth IRAs, even if the account holder is 59½ or older.

Look at the relevant column for your intended tax year. If your MAGI is below the full amount, you can contribute up to 100% of your income or the Roth IRA contribution limit—whichever is less. The contribution limit in 2023 is $6,500 ($7,000 in 2024), or $7,500 ($8,000 in 2024) if you are over age 50.

It can be a surprisingly complicated choice, but many experts prefer the Roth 401(k) because you'll never pay taxes on qualified withdrawals. Contributions are made with pre-tax income, meaning you won't be taxed on that income in the current year.