A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account funded with after-tax dollars. Qualified withdrawals — including all growth — are completely tax-free.
2024/2025 contribution limits: Same as Traditional IRA: $7,000 (under 50) / $8,000 (50+).
Income limits (2025): Contributions phase out for: - Single filers: $150,000–$165,000 MAGI. - Married filing jointly: $236,000–$246,000 MAGI. - Above the upper limit: no direct Roth IRA contributions (though "backdoor Roth" may be used).
Key advantages over Traditional IRA: - No RMDs during the owner's lifetime (no forced distributions at 73). - Tax-free qualified distributions — withdraw contributions + earnings tax-free. - Contributions can be withdrawn anytime penalty- and tax-free (contributions, not earnings).
Qualified distribution: The account has been open at least 5 years AND the distribution occurs after age 59½, death, disability, or first-home purchase ($10,000 lifetime limit).
Roth conversions: Can convert traditional IRA or 401(k) funds to a Roth by paying income tax in the conversion year; no income limit on conversions.
Backdoor Roth: Contributing to a non-deductible traditional IRA then immediately converting to Roth — workaround for high earners.
> Exam tip: Roth IRA = after-tax in, tax-free out. No RMDs is a major planning advantage. The 5-year rule applies to earnings (not contributions). Know the income phase-out ranges for the Series 65, Series 66, and CFP®.