While contributions to a Roth IRA* are not tax deductible, withdrawals are tax free if certain conditions are met. For 2012, the maximum contribution is $5,000 ($6,000 is you are over age 50).
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax and penalty free if the account owner is at least 59½ years old and the account has been held at least five years. Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are also tax and penalty free under these circumstances:
Unlike the Traditional IRA there is no requirement that withdrawals be started at age 70½.
Eligibility to open a Roth IRA is based on income:
| Filing Status | Modified Adjusted Gross Income | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Less than $110,000 | Full contribution |
| $110,000 to $124,999 | Partial contribution | |
| $125,000 or more | No contribution | |
| Married, filing jointly | Less than $173,000 | Full contribution |
| $173,000 to $182,999 | Partial contribution | |
| $183,000 or more | No contribution | |
| Married, filing separately | Less than $10,000 | Partial contribution |
| $10,000 or more | No contribution |
*Erie Family Life products are not available in New York.