IMPORTANT NOTE: See the section Roth IRA Conversions to learn about Roth IRA conversions that may be available to you even if you do not meet the criteria for a Roth IRA.

IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) are probably the most widely recognized tax-advantaged plans. These simple to establish accounts allow tax-deferred accumulation until distribution. The Roth IRA allows tax-free accumulation and withdrawals for those eligible to establish the account. You can establish an IRA whether or not you are covered by any other retirement plan.

The Roth IRA allows you to save money on a tax-free basis, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and the holding period rules.

The Roth IRA allows for non-deductible contributions up to $5,500 in 2013 ($5,000 in 2012), no matter what your age (provided you have earned income), and presents an opportunity to receive tax-free income when the funds are withdrawn. If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute a total of $6,500 to a Roth IRA. The 2013 dollar limit is reduced if modified adjusted gross income (AGI) is above $178,000 ($173,000 in 2012) if filing a joint return and $112,000 if single ($110,000 in 2012), and is $0 if modified AGI is above $188,000 ($183,000 in 2012) for joint returns and $127,000 if single ($125,000 in 2012); i.e., you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA above these income levels. If your filing status is married filing separately and you lived with your spouse during the year, the phase-out range of modified AGI is $0 to $10,000. However, if you file a separate return and did not live with your spouse at any time during the year, you are not treated as married for the purpose of these limits, and the applicable dollar limit is that of a single taxpayer.

The Roth contribution limit is also reduced for amounts contributed to a traditional IRA.

Tax-free, penalty-free distributions of appreciation or earnings may be made from a Roth IRA if held for at least five years and if made on or after age 59½, because of death or disability, or for "first-time homebuyers" subject to a $10,000 lifetime limit.

SUGGESTION: Contributions (not appreciation or earnings) to a Roth IRA can be withdrawn at any time, tax-free and penalty free.

The required minimum distribution rules for traditional IRAs do not apply to Roth IRAs. Distributions from Roth IRAs need not begin at age 70½.