Getting Started IRAs allow you to make tax-deferred investments to provide financial security when you retire. Assess your financial needs: Where am I, financially? Taking Stock (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) can help you evaluate your financial situation. What will my Social Security retirement benefit be? Calculate what you can expect as your Social Security retirement benefit. The Department of Labor and Investor websites also have retirement planning information. Set up your IRA: What kind of IRA best suits my needs? Traditional IRA or Roth IRA? Traditional vs. Roth IRA comparison chart You can set up an IRA with a: bank or other financial institution life insurance company mutual fund stockbroker Investing your IRA assets: The IRS can't give advice about specific investments. See The IRS Does Not Approve IRA Investments (Publication 3125) PDF PDF. Some kinds of investments are not allowed in an IRA. See IRA FAQs - Investments Investing and Diversification resources from the Department of Labor can get you started on investing for your future. Contribution Limits How much can you contribute to your IRA? Deduction Limits How much of your IRA contributions can you deduct on your taxes? Rollovers (See our Rollover Chart PDF PDF) The why, what, how, when and where about moving your retirement savings. FAQs: Waivers of the 60-Day Rollover Requirement YouTube video - IRA/Retirement Plan 60-Day Rollover Waivers (.57 secs.) YouTube video - Retirement Plan and IRA Rollovers (1.20 mins.) Distributions Taking withdrawals from your IRA - when and how much. Required Minimum Distributions - RMD Worksheet Roth IRA Distributions Tax on Early Distributions (and exceptions) Beneficiaries Information for spousal and non-spousal IRA beneficiaries Saver's Credit Individuals may be able to take a tax credit of up to $1,000 if they make eligible contributions to an IRA. Reporting Information on Form 5498 Additional IRA Resources FAQs, forms, publications and other resources for IRAs
