Talking About Tax-Deferred Investments

Choosing how to invest your hard-earned cash can be overwhelming because of all the options available to you. The worst thing you can do, however, is nothing.

What is it?

A tax-deferred investment is one for which you pay federal income taxes when you take money out of the investment rather than during the time the money is invested. Any earnings your contributions produce while they remain invested are also tax deferred.

Some investments also allow you to invest pre-tax dollars, so neither the contribution nor its potential earnings are taxed until they are withdrawn.

How does it work?

First, since your money is being reinvested and nothing is being taken out to pay taxes, you've potentially got more money to compound and grow. That means when you withdraw the funds, your investment may be larger than a similar investment that is subject to capital gains tax each year.

Second, if you're investing for retirement, you may be in a lower tax bracket at the time you withdraw the money than you are now.

Because tax-deferred investments are generally designed to help you invest for specific long-term goals (such as retirement or a child’s education), there are restrictions on when the money can be withdrawn without penalty. Early withdrawals may be subject to sales charges and fees. Withdrawals prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent income tax penalty.

What types are available?

• Employer-sponsored plans. One place to start investing for your retirement is an employer-sponsored plan such as a 401(k), 403(b) or 457. These typically allow both pre-tax contributions and tax-deferred compounding. Many employers will also contribute a matching percentage of your contribution into these plans. Check with your employer to determine which benefits are available to you and how you can begin to participate.
  
  
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). There are two kinds of these plans: traditional and Roth IRAs. Traditional IRAs may allow you to contribute on a pre-tax basis, depending on factors such as your income level. With a Roth IRA, you won't be able to make pre-tax contributions, but earnings could potentially be tax-free if certain conditions are met.
  
  
• Annuities. These tax-deferred investments are contracts between you and an insurance company that are designed to provide an accumulation phase and a payout phase. Annuities are issued by life insurance companies because they provide death benefits and may also include other guarantees. Death benefits help protect your beneficiaries if you die before the annuity's proceeds have been distributed. Annuities do have limitations, and guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

With so many choices available, it’s probably a good idea to consult an investment professional before you begin investing. He or she will work with you develop a plan based on those options that can best help you reach your retirement goals. Don't have an investment professional? Find out what an investment professional can do for you and learn how to choose one.

Carefully consider your current and anticipated personal financial circumstances as well as changes in tax rates and tax treatment of investment earnings when making investment decisions.