Roth 401k vs. Roth IRA — How Are They Different?

We consistently hear from clients that saving for retirement tops the list of their most important financial goals. So it’s a big decision, and a highly personal one, to determine exactly how to go about saving and investing for your future. Part of this is deciding what type of retirement account(s) to save into. There are any number of accounts available — there’s the 401k, Roth 401k, IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA — depending on who you are and what your employer offers, there will likely be several options available to you. This is always going to be a personal call, and your advisor can help you make a decision that’s best for your financial goals and tax situation.

Roth accounts are becoming increasingly popular for retirement savings as they allow your savings to grow tax-deferred. There are two major types of Roth accounts: the Roth 401k and the Roth IRA. People are often confused by these two accounts, and we commonly get questions like: How are they different? How are they similar? If I’m looking for a Roth-type account, which one is right for me? In this article, I’ll break down these two account types and hopefully answer all of these FAQs. If you’re interested in other types of retirement accounts, here are some resources you might find useful:

But for now, let’s dive into the Roth 401k and the Roth IRA.

What is a Roth 401k?

Let’s start with a little bit of history — in 2006, Americans were given a new type of retirement savings vehicle to compliment the popular Roth IRA, which was introduced in 1997: the Roth 401k. Roth IRAs and Roth 401ks are similar, but there are some pretty significant differences you should understand when deciding which one is right for you.

How Roth 401ks and Roth IRAs Are Similar

Before we look at the differences between Roth IRAs and Roth 401ks, let’s look at the similarities. Here’s the big one: with both of these accounts, your investments grow without the burden of taxation. This can mean a larger nest egg when you decide you’re ready to retire.

Also, in most circumstances, you can withdraw money from both a Roth IRA and a Roth 401k income tax-free after you turn 59 1/2. Practically, this means favorable tax treatment in retirement, since you won’t have to pay taxes on the distributions you take after you hit 59 ½.

With a Roth IRA, you can withdraw contributions penalty-free, but earnings will generally be taxed and penalties assessed on any withdrawals made before age 59½, with a few exceptions/
With Roth 401ks, withdrawals before age 59½ are usually taxed and assessed a penalty, but there are ways to avoid this (401k loans, for example).

Read More: When Can I Withdraw From My 401k or IRA Penalty-Free?

Roth 401k vs. Roth IRA — How Are They Different?

The biggest differences between a Roth 401k and a Roth IRA are their different annual contribution limits, eligibility criteria, and whether or not you will need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs).

Let’s start with the annual contribution limits.

In 2019, you can contribute up to $19,500 per year — and a catch-up contribution of $6,500 per year if you’re 50 years of age or over — to a Roth 401k. However, the annual contribution limit for Roth IRAs is much lower: just $6,000 per year, or $7,000 if you’re 50 years of age or over.

Another big difference between the Roth 401k and the Roth IRA is the eligibility criteria. If you make too much money, you can’t open or contribute to a Roth IRA. More specifically, if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above $139,000 (if you are single, head of household, or married filing separately and you didn’t live with your spouse during the year) or $206,000 (for married couples filing jointly) in 2020, you aren’t eligible for a Roth IRA.

With Roth 401ks, the only eligibility criteria is that your employer offers this option.

Another big difference is that you don’t need to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from Roth IRAs. But with Roth 401ks, you must start taking RMDs when you turn 70½ years old.

Pros and Cons of Roth 401ks and Roth IRAs

A big advantage that the Roth 401k has over the Roth IRA is the possibility of an employer matching your contributions up to a certain percentage. Employer matches are the closest thing there is to “free money,” so if you’re deciding between a Roth 401k vs. a Roth IRA — keep this in mind. It’s also important to note here, though, that if you receive an employer Roth 401k match, the matching funds will go into a traditional 401k.

On the flip side, Roth IRAs generally offer more investment options than Roth 401ks. With a Roth IRA, you have the entire universe of investments to choose from, including stocks, bonds, cash equivalents and alternative investments. With a Roth 401k, you are limited to the investment options offered by your employer’s 401k plan, which can be as few as three.

If you aren’t happy with the investment options your 401k plan offers, here’s one strategy to consider: contribute enough money to your Roth 401k to receive the company match, since this match represents a risk-free return on your investment. Then you can also open a Roth IRA and contribute any additional retirement money you have to this account in order to diversify your retirement savings.

Which Account is Better?

As with anything financial planning, there’s really no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best way to figure out which account makes more sense for you is to talk to your financial advisor about your specific situation, but here are a few scenarios to help guide your conversation.

A Roth 401k might be the better choice if…

• You earn too much money to open and contribute to a Roth IRA.
• You want to take advantage of an employer match.
• You want to contribute as much money as possible.
• You appreciate the ease of signing up at work and having contributions automatically deducted from your pay each pay period.

A Roth IRA might be the better choice if…

• You want access to a wider range of investment options.
• You want to be able to withdraw contributions tax- and penalty-free before you turn 59½ without making a plan loan.
• You don’t want to have to take RMDs when you turn 70½.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Roth IRAs and Roth 401ks are both good options for retirement savers. The answer to which account is the better option will really depend on your unique situation. It’s always a good idea to talk to your financial advisor to weigh the pros and cons and come up with what the best choice is for your situation.

Read More: What to Expect From a Portfolio Review With a Personal Capital Financial Advisor

Originally published at https://www.personalcapital.com on May 19, 2020.