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Roth IRA Case Study

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the distributions would be untaxed income on the FAFSA for the next year. This will reduce eligibility for the financial aid needed.
A benefit of using a Roth IRA is that after-tax dollars are used for contributions. This saves the income from being taxed. Using a Roth IRA would be beneficial if individuals have funds that exceed the pre-tax traditional IRA contribution limit. Individual Retirement accounts can conveniently be used by grandparents that are turning 59 ½ within five years and do not need the funds for their own retirement. Some advantages include:
• Funds in a traditional IRA have no impact on financial aid eligibility.
• The tax turns the traditional IRA into a deferred college savings vehicle.
Some disadvantages include: …show more content…

For an individual over age 50, the maximum contribution amount is $6,500. The phase-out limits for Roth IRA are: $117,000 and $132,000 (single) or $184,000 and $194,000 (married filing jointly). For successful planning, retirement plans should be used with another college savings plan such as 529 Plans or Coverdell ESAs.
COMPARISON OF SAVINGS VEHICLES 529 College Savings Plan Coverdell ESAs U.S. Savings Bonds Roth IRAs Traditional IRAs Income Restrictions None $95,000 and $110,000 (single), $190,000 ad $220,000 (married filing jointly) N/A $117,000 and $132,000 (single), $184,000 ad $194,000 (married filing jointly) $117,000 and $132,000 (single), $184,000 ad $194,000 (married filing jointly) Maximum Contribution Depending on program, $300,000 per beneficiary $2,000 per beneficiary per year combined from all sources $10,000 $5,500 for under 50, $6,500 for 50 and over $5,500 for under 50, $6,500 for 50 and over Qualified Expenses Tuition, fees, books, computers, related equipment, and room and board (half time) Tuition, fees, books, computers, related equipment, and room and board (half time), K-12 Expenses Tuition and Fees Same as 529 Plan Same as 529

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