what is the difference between a traditional ira and a roth ira 
the primary difference between a traditional and a roth ira is the tax treatment of each account traditional ira contributions are deductible from taxable income when the contributions are made however earnings are taxable alternatively roth contributions are not deductible but can grow tax free in addition there are differences in the mechanisms of each ira roth ira contributions can be withdrawn for no penalty while traditional iras cannot in addition some roth earnings may be able to be withdrawn for no penalties for specific uses i e the down payment for one s first home 27