| Deductible contributions | Tax-deferred earnings | Age of withdrawal without tax penalty | Age when minimum distribution is required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 403(b) and 401(k) Retirement Plans | Yes (your contributions, not your employer's). |
Yes | 59½* | 70½** |
| Keogh | Yes | Yes | 59½* | 70½ |
| Traditional IRA | Yes, up to $5,000 (if 50 or older, up to $6,000 in 2008).*** |
Yes | 59½* | 70½ |
| Roth IRA | No | Yes, and distributions, including earnings, are completely tax free if held five or more years if a distributable event has occurred. | 59½, and distributions, including earnings, are completely tax free if held five or more years if a distributable event has occurred. (Contributions may always be withdrawn tax-free.)* | N/A |
| After-Tax Annuities | No | Yes | 59½* | 90 |
| 529 College Savings Plans | No, but state deductions may be available. | Yes, and qualified distributions, including earnings, are tax-free. | Qualified withdrawal rules vary from state to state. Non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal and state taxes, and possible recapture provisions for state tax deduction amounts. | N/A |
| Universal Life Insurance | No | Yes | Withdrawals may be made at any time without tax penalty, unless the policy is a modified endowment contract ("MEC"). Withdrawals and loans from a MEC prior to age 59 ½ may give rise to an early withdrawal penalty of 10% of the amount subject to tax. | N/A |
| Mutual Funds | No | No | Withdrawals may be made at any time without tax penalty. | N/A |
| * | Withdrawals of earnings are subject to ordinary income tax and a federal 10% penalty may apply prior to age 59½. |
| ** | Grandfathered amounts in 403(b) plans not subject to minimum distribution until age 75. |
| *** | Deductions are subject to income restrictions if participant or spouse participates in a retirement plan. |
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Note: Neither TIAA-CREF nor its affiliates offer tax advice. Please contact your tax advisor regarding your situation.
© 2009 and prior years, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), New York, NY 10017