Roth IRA – State Farm^®

You can make annual contributions to a Roth IRA of up to $5,500 or 100% of your earned income, whichever is less. Current law permits most couples to contribute up to $5,500 each to their IRAs in 2013 and 2014 as long as their combined compensation is at least $11,000. This allows a spouse with lower or no compensation to take advantage of the tax savings offered by an IRA. The annual contribution limits apply to the combination of all your Traditional and Roth IRAs.

If you are age 50 or older, you may make an additional $1,000 "catch-up" contribution to your IRA.

You can make contributions to a Traditional or Roth IRA from Jan 1st to December 31st for the current tax year. You may also make contributions for the prior tax year from January 1st up to the tax filing deadline, excluding extensions, which is generally April 15th. You must designate the tax year to which the contributions should be applied.

Contribution dollars may be withdrawn at anytime, tax and penalty-tax free. Earnings on the account accumulate on a tax-deferred basis and can be withdrawn free from federal income taxes, if the withdrawal is a qualified distribution as defined below.

The Saver's Credit may provide a tax credit for those who save for retirement. You may be able to take a credit of up to $1,000 – up to $2,000 if filing jointly. The credit applies to the first $2,000 contributed to a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or 401(k) account by reducing the amount of federal income tax you owe dollar for dollar. The credit ranges from 10% to 50% of your contributions and is based on your filing status, adjusted gross income, and tax liability. Special rules apply.

Visit the IRS website or talk to your tax advisor for more information.

• Contribution dollars can be withdrawn from the Roth IRA anytime, tax and penalty tax free.
• Earnings can be withdrawn tax and penalty tax free if this or another Roth IRA has been in existence for at least five years and the distribution is made because you:
  • Have attained the age of 59½,
  • Die,
  • Become disabled, or
  • Need to pay for the purchase or construction of your first home ($10,000 lifetime maximum).
• Distributions may be taken in specific amounts, as a lump sum, or as a series of systematic payments.

Note: There are some exceptions to the 10% tax penalty for traditional and Roth IRA distributions.

A conversion is a taxable movement of funds from a Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE (after two years) IRA to a Roth IRA. A conversion may also include a rollover conversion from a Qualified Retirement Plan (QRP), including a 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), or profit-sharing plan to a Roth IRA. Amounts converted are not subject to the federal 10% tax penalty.

Since January 1, 2010, anyone can convert to a Roth IRA – the two previous eligibility restrictions no longer apply.

Your local registered State Farm agent is ready to help you think through the decision. You can also browse the Roth IRA Conversion most Frequently Asked Questions. You should consult your tax advisor for specific guidance and advice.