Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)1
Invest in Future You
A Practical Way to Save for Retirement
Retirement looks different for everyone. No matter where you are in life, an Individual Retirement Account gives you a simple way to prepare for your future. An IRA supports long-term savings goals through every stage of life.
What is an IRA
Unlike a workplace retirement plan, an IRA stays with you through career changes and different stages of life. An IRA helps you:
- Save for retirement over time
- Take advantage of IRA tax benefits
- Build savings outside of a workplace plan
Open an IRA to supplement an employer-sponsored plan or save on your own.
Benefits of an IRA
An IRA helps you prepare for retirement over time, whether it is years away, right around the corner, or lasts longer than expected.
Long-Term Savings
Money is set aside over time to support long-term retirement goals.
Tax Savings
Tax advantages help more of your retirement funds stay invested.
Lifetime Ownership
Your retirement savings stay with you through career and life changes.
Contribution Options
Retirement contributions align with your budget and long-term savings goals.
Which Type of IRA Works for You
When you choose between a Traditional IRA and Roth IRA, it usually comes down to one question: Do you want the tax benefit now, or later? Both options help you save, but the difference is when taxes apply.
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Best For
Best For
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Tax deductions on contributions
Tax deductions on contributions
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Tax-deferred earnings
Tax-deferred earnings
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Tax-free growth on earnings
Tax-free growth on earnings
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Tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement
Tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement
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Required withdrawals at certain age
Required withdrawals at certain age
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Available as a Certificate Account
Available as a Certificate Account
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How It Works
How It Works
Traditional IRA
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Best For
- People who want a tax break today
- Those who expect to be in the same or a lower tax bracket in retirement
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Tax deductions on contributions
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Tax-deferred earnings
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Tax-free growth on earnings
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Tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement
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Required withdrawals at certain age
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Available as a Certificate Account
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How It Works
- Contributions may provide current-year tax advantages
- Tax-deferred earnings growth
- Taxes apply during retirement withdrawals
ROTH IRA
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Best For
- People who want tax-free withdrawals later in life
- Those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement
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Tax deductions on contributions
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Tax-deferred earnings
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Tax-free growth on earnings
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Tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement
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Required withdrawals at certain age
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Available as a Certificate Account
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How It Works
- Contributions use after-tax income
- Tax-free growth over time
- Qualified retirement withdrawals are tax-free
Rollover a Retirement Account
Move retirement savings from a former employer plan into an IRA after a job change or at retirement.
An IRA rollover helps you:
- Keep retirement savings in one place
- Maintain tax advantages for retirement savings
- Avoid early withdrawal penalties
- Stay focused on long-term retirement goals
Review IRS rollover rules and timelines before a retirement fund transfer.
IRA as a Certificate Account3
A KTVAECU® Certificate Account opened as an IRA combines fixed rates with IRA tax advantages.
IRA Brochures
Learn more about IRAs and retirement savings with these digital brochures.
Coverdell Educational Savings Account
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Health Savings Account for Employers
Inherited IRAs
IRA and Retirement Plan Distributions
Retirement Plans
Roth IRA
Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP)
Traditional and Roth IRAs
Traditional IRAs
Transfers, Rollovers, and Conversions
IRA FAQs
Not finding the answer to your question?
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Many people open an IRA as soon as they begin earning income. Others open one when they change jobs or want more control over their retirement savings.
Anyone with earned income may open an IRA, subject to IRS rules. Income limits apply to Roth IRAs.
The main difference is when taxes apply. Traditional IRAs focus on potential tax benefits now, while Roth IRAs focus on tax‑free income later.
The IRS provides up‑to‑date guidance on contribution limits, income eligibility, and withdrawal rules.
No. A 401(k) is offered through an employer, while an IRA is a personal retirement account you manage independently.
Yes. Rolling over retirement funds into an IRA may help consolidate accounts and give you more control over how you manage your savings.
The IRS sets annual contribution limits and additional catch‑up contributions for individuals age 50 and older. Limits may change year to year.
Traditional IRAs require withdrawals starting later in retirement. Roth IRAs do not require withdrawals during the original owner’s lifetime.
Early withdrawals may result in taxes and penalties, depending on your age and IRA type. Certain exceptions may apply.
Yes. You may use both as part of a diversified retirement strategy, as long as total contributions stay within IRS limits.
Let’s Get Started
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