Tax Free Retirement Income with the Roth IRA and Roth 401(k)

Article Presented by:
Daniel Lamaute

Under this year's new tax rules it's possible to have a Roth 401(k) in addition to a Roth IRA for Tax Free Retirement Income.

Unique to the Roth retirement accounts - Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA - participants save part of their salary on an after-tax basis and their money in the Roth accounts can grow and remain tax-free. That's right; the principal and accumulated earnings of a Roth account can be withdrawn tax-free, provided that certain qualifications are met. In contrast, contributions to a traditional IRA, 401(k), etc, are on a pre-tax basis but withdrawals of every dollar in the traditional accounts are taxed as ordinary income.

Most employees will have to wait awhile to participate in a Roth 401(k) because employers have been slow to make the necessary amendments so that their 401(k) can accept Roth contributions, according to a Hewitt Associates survey. But the self-employed, independent contractors and other business owners with no employees can get a Roth 401(k) as a feature in their Self-Employed 401(k) right away.

A Roth 401(k) is like the luxury version of the Roth IRA. For example, in 2006, the Roth 401(k) salary deferral limit is $15,000 vs. $4,000 for the Roth IRA, and the "catch up" for those 50 and older is $5,000 vs. $1,000 for the Roth IRA. Loans can be taken from a Roth 401(k) account, but not from a Roth IRA. And, unlike the Roth IRA high income earners are not restricted from having a Roth 401(k).

401(k) contributions can be split between the pre-tax account and the Roth after-tax account. However, the aggregate contributions must not exceed the elective deferral limit. Profit sharing or employer contributions must be made on a pre-tax basis.

The Roth 401(k) feature would probably appeal most to:

Individuals who think that their tax rate may be higher when they are ready to retire.

Long term investors that have the potential to accumulate considerable compounded earnings in their account over time and never want to pay tax on those gains.

Those concerned with passing some their retirement funds tax-free to their beneficiaries.

High income earners who do not qualify for the Roth IRA.

The Roth feature of the Self-Employed 401(k) is valuable tool which allows the small business owner to tailor his investment strategy. The Self-Employed 401(k) can be started by any business that employs only owners, or owners and their spouses, including C corp, S corp, partnerships, and even sole proprietors working from home.

Given the complexities of tax rules before reaching a conclusion one should contact his tax advisor regarding his specific legal, investment or tax situation.


About the Author:
One can visit www.investsafe.com to request a free information kit on the Self-Employed 401(k) with the Roth and loan features.