A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account (IRA) primarily used for retirement savings, offering tax advantages. It is funded with after-tax dollars, meaning contributions aren't tax-deductible. However, the money in the account, including investment earnings, grows tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free.
The Roth IRA was created as part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and is named after Senator William Roth. Anyone with earned income can open a Roth IRA, but contribution amounts may be limited based on income. For 2026, the annual contribution limit is $7,500, with an additional $1,100 "catch-up" contribution for those age 50 or older. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs do not have required minimum distributions (RMDs) during the account holder's lifetime. Contributions can be withdrawn at any time without penalty or taxes. Roth IRAs are widely available through various financial institutions, including Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Vanguard. There are typically no account-opening fees or minimums, allowing investment with as little as $1.