Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
What is the primary purpose of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in the United States?
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary purpose of an IRA is to offer tax advantages for retirement savings, allowing individuals to accumulate assets for their future financial security.
According to IRS Publication 590, an IRA is exclusively referred to as an individual retirement annuity.
Answer: False
Explanation: IRS Publication 590 describes an IRA as an individual retirement arrangement, which can encompass various forms, including annuities, not exclusively annuities.
Banks, credit unions, and brokerage firms are common custodians for IRAs, with some specializing in specific products while others offer broader options.
Answer: True
Explanation: Financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and brokerage firms commonly serve as custodians for IRAs, offering a range of investment products and services.
What is the primary function of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) in the United States?
Answer: To offer tax advantages for retirement savings.
Explanation: The primary function of an IRA is to provide tax advantages that facilitate retirement savings.
The primary types of IRAs mentioned include Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and Conduit IRA.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material identifies Traditional, Roth, SEP, SIMPLE, and Conduit IRAs as the primary types discussed.
The Roth IRA was named after Senator William V. Roth Jr. and was created by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Roth IRA is named after Senator William V. Roth Jr. and was established by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.
A SEP IRA allows employers, particularly small businesses, to contribute to a Traditional IRA set up in the employee's name as an alternative to pension funds.
Answer: True
Explanation: A SEP IRA is designed for employers, especially small businesses and self-employed individuals, to make contributions to employee IRAs, serving as an alternative to traditional pension plans.
A SIMPLE IRA requires employers to make matching contributions whenever an employee contributes, functioning similarly to a 401(k) but with potentially higher limits.
Answer: False
Explanation: A SIMPLE IRA requires employers to make matching contributions, but it generally has lower contribution limits than a 401(k), not higher.
A Conduit IRA is funded through transfers from qualified employer plans and is now very common due to recent legislation.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Conduit IRAs are funded through transfers from qualified employer plans, they have become less common due to legislation allowing direct transfers between qualified plans.
Contributions to a SIMPLE IRA are generally tax-deductible, and withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, similar to a Roth IRA.
Answer: False
Explanation: SIMPLE IRA contributions are generally tax-deductible, but unlike Roth IRAs, withdrawals in retirement are typically taxed as ordinary income.
The Roth IRA was named in honor of which individual?
Answer: Senator William V. Roth Jr.
Explanation: The Roth IRA is named after Senator William V. Roth Jr., who was instrumental in its creation.
Which type of IRA is specifically designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners to make contributions to employee IRAs?
Answer: SEP IRA
Explanation: The SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension IRA) is designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners to facilitate contributions to employee IRAs.
What distinguishes a SIMPLE IRA from other employer-related IRA plans?
Answer: Employers are required to make matching contributions.
Explanation: A distinguishing feature of SIMPLE IRAs is the employer's requirement to make matching contributions to employee accounts.
What is the primary difference between a Traditional IRA and a Conduit IRA?
Answer: A Conduit IRA is funded exclusively through transfers from qualified employer plans.
Explanation: The primary difference is that a Conduit IRA is funded solely through transfers from qualified employer plans, unlike a Traditional IRA.
Traditional IRAs were established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and were initially intended for individuals without access to employer-sponsored plans.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) established Traditional IRAs, primarily to provide retirement savings options for individuals not covered by employer-sponsored plans.
The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 restricted access to Traditional IRAs, limiting them only to those covered by an employer plan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 actually broadened access to Traditional IRAs, making them available to all taxpayers regardless of employer plan coverage.
The myRA initiative, launched in 2014, allowed investments in a wide range of assets but was later discontinued.
Answer: False
Explanation: The myRA initiative, launched in 2014, allowed investments exclusively in government bonds and was discontinued in 2017.
Individual retirement arrangements were introduced in 1974 under ERISA, with initial contribution limits set at 15% of income or $1,500, whichever was less.
Answer: True
Explanation: Individual retirement arrangements were established in 1974 by ERISA, with initial contribution limits set at 15% of income or $1,500, whichever amount was lower.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 eliminated IRA contribution deductibility for all taxpayers, regardless of income or employer plan coverage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Tax Reform Act of 1986 did not eliminate deductibility for all taxpayers; it began phasing it out for individuals covered by employer plans whose income exceeded certain thresholds.
Which piece of legislation first established Traditional IRAs in the United States?
Answer: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)
Explanation: Traditional IRAs were first established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 significantly changed Traditional IRAs by:
Answer: Broadening accessibility to all taxpayers.
Explanation: The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 significantly broadened the accessibility of Traditional IRAs, making them available to all taxpayers.
What was the myRA initiative, launched by the Obama administration?
Answer: A Roth IRA-based initiative allowing investment only in government bonds.
Explanation: The myRA initiative, launched by the Obama administration, was a Roth IRA-based program that permitted investments solely in government bonds.
How did the Tax Reform Act of 1986 change IRA deductibility for individuals covered by employer plans?
Answer: It began phasing out deductibility for those covered by employer plans if income exceeded certain thresholds.
Explanation: The Tax Reform Act of 1986 initiated a phase-out of IRA deductibility for individuals covered by employer plans whose income surpassed specified thresholds.
For a Traditional IRA, contributions are typically made with after-tax money, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contributions to a Traditional IRA are generally tax-deductible (made with pre-tax money), while qualified withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income.
Roth IRAs allow for tax-deductible contributions, and earnings grow tax-deferred, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are taxed.
Answer: False
Explanation: Roth IRAs feature non-deductible (after-tax) contributions, and qualified withdrawals of earnings in retirement are tax-free.
For the tax year 2024, the maximum IRA contribution limit is $6,500, with higher limits for those aged 50 and older.
Answer: False
Explanation: For the tax year 2024, the maximum IRA contribution limit is $7,000, with additional catch-up contributions permitted for individuals aged 50 and older.
Income like Social Security payments and child support payments can be used to fund an IRA, as they are considered taxable compensation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Social Security payments and child support payments are not considered taxable compensation and therefore cannot be used to fund an IRA.
IRAs can be funded with assets other than cash, such as stocks or bonds, directly transferred into the account.
Answer: False
Explanation: IRAs must be funded with cash or cash equivalents; direct transfer of assets like stocks or bonds is generally considered a prohibited transaction.
Funds can be withdrawn penalty-free from an IRA only after the owner reaches age 59 and a half, with no other exceptions.
Answer: False
Explanation: While withdrawals are typically penalty-free after age 59 and a half, several exceptions exist, such as for qualified higher education expenses or unreimbursed medical costs.
Non-Roth IRA owners must begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) by April 1st of the year they turn 72, facing a 50% penalty for non-compliance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Non-Roth IRA owners are required to commence Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) by April 1st of the year following the year they attain age 72, with a 50% penalty imposed for failure to comply.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) allow IRA owners aged 72+ to satisfy RMDs by donating directly to charities, avoiding taxes on the distribution.
Answer: True
Explanation: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) permit IRA owners aged 72 and older to fulfill their RMD obligations by donating directly to charities, thereby avoiding taxation on the distributed amount.
How are contributions typically treated for a Traditional IRA?
Answer: Contributions are generally tax-deductible.
Explanation: Contributions to a Traditional IRA are typically made with pre-tax dollars, allowing for a tax deduction in the year they are made.
What is a key characteristic of a Roth IRA's tax treatment?
Answer: Contributions are made with after-tax money, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
Explanation: A key characteristic of Roth IRAs is that contributions are made with after-tax money, and qualified withdrawals of earnings in retirement are tax-free.
Which of the following is a valid exception for withdrawing funds from an IRA before age 59 and a half without penalty?
Answer: For unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding a certain threshold
Explanation: Withdrawals for unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding a specified percentage of adjusted gross income are a valid exception to the early withdrawal penalty for IRAs.
When must non-Roth IRA owners typically begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
Answer: April 1st of the year following the year they reach age 72
Explanation: Non-Roth IRA owners are typically required to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) by April 1st of the year after they reach age 72.
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
Answer: A withdrawal from an IRA directly to a charity that satisfies RMD requirements and is not taxed.
Explanation: A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a withdrawal from an IRA made directly to a qualified charity, which counts towards RMDs and is not taxed.
What is the primary difference in tax treatment between contributions to a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?
Answer: Traditional contributions are pre-tax (deductible); Roth contributions are after-tax.
Explanation: The primary difference in tax treatment is that Traditional IRA contributions are typically pre-tax and deductible, while Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax money.
Which of the following income types is generally NOT eligible for IRA contributions?
Answer: Social Security payments
Explanation: Social Security payments are not considered taxable compensation and are therefore not eligible income for IRA contributions.
What is the maximum IRA contribution limit for the tax year 2024?
Answer: $7,000
Explanation: The maximum IRA contribution limit for the tax year 2024 is $7,000.
Self-directed IRAs offer investors more flexibility, potentially including alternative investments like real estate and private company stock, though custodians may impose restrictions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Self-directed IRAs provide investors with greater investment flexibility, including the option to hold alternative assets, subject to custodian rules.
Collectibles, like art or rare coins, and life insurance contracts are permitted assets that can be held directly within an IRA.
Answer: False
Explanation: Collectibles, such as art or rare coins, and life insurance contracts are generally prohibited assets that cannot be held directly within an IRA.
Using IRA-owned property as a personal residence is considered a prohibited transaction.
Answer: True
Explanation: Using IRA-owned property for personal benefit, such as residing in it, constitutes a prohibited transaction.
Holding debt-financed property within an IRA can lead to the IRA itself being subject to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on the generated income.
Answer: True
Explanation: If an IRA holds debt-financed property, the income generated may be subject to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT).
An IRA owner is permitted to borrow money directly from their IRA, provided it is repaid within 60 days.
Answer: False
Explanation: Borrowing money directly from an IRA is generally prohibited and can disqualify the account from its tax-advantaged status; the 60-day rule applies to rollovers, not loans.
Double taxation within an IRA can occur if foreign dividends are taxed by the source country and the U.S. does not provide a tax credit for that foreign tax.
Answer: True
Explanation: Double taxation can arise in IRAs if foreign taxes are levied on dividends, and the U.S. tax system does not offer a corresponding credit for those foreign taxes.
What is a key feature of a self-directed IRA?
Answer: It allows investors greater flexibility in choosing investments, including alternatives.
Explanation: A key feature of self-directed IRAs is the enhanced flexibility they offer investors in selecting a broad range of investments, including alternative assets.
Which of the following is explicitly prohibited from being held directly within an IRA?
Answer: Life insurance contracts
Explanation: Life insurance contracts are explicitly prohibited from being held directly within an IRA, along with other items like collectibles.
What is the consequence of engaging in a prohibited transaction with IRA assets, such as using IRA-owned property personally?
Answer: The account may lose its tax-advantaged status.
Explanation: Engaging in a prohibited transaction with IRA assets can result in the account losing its tax-advantaged status.
How can holding debt-financed property within an IRA potentially affect the IRA's tax status?
Answer: It may subject the IRA to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on certain income.
Explanation: Holding debt-financed property within an IRA can potentially subject the IRA to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on the income generated from that property.
What is the rule concerning borrowing money from an IRA?
Answer: It is generally not permitted and can disqualify the account.
Explanation: Borrowing money directly from an IRA is generally prohibited and can lead to the disqualification of the account's tax-advantaged status.
Which of the following is an example of an alternative investment that might be held in a self-directed IRA?
Answer: Precious metals
Explanation: Precious metals are an example of an alternative investment that can potentially be held within a self-directed IRA.
Which of the following is an example of a prohibited asset within an IRA, according to the source?
Answer: Collectibles
Explanation: Collectibles, such as art or rare coins, are examples of prohibited assets that cannot be held directly within an IRA.
The Supreme Court ruled in Rousey v. Jacoway that debtors in bankruptcy cannot exempt IRA funds from the bankruptcy estate.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Supreme Court's ruling in Rousey v. Jacoway affirmed that debtors can exempt IRA funds from the bankruptcy estate, up to the amount necessary for retirement.
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 fully exempted all types of IRAs, including rollovers from 401(k)s, from bankruptcy estates.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 expanded IRA protection by exempting certain IRAs up to a limit, and rollovers from qualified plans were already fully exempt.
According to the Supreme Court's ruling in Clark v. Rameker, inherited IRAs receive the same federal bankruptcy protection as owner-held IRAs.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Supreme Court ruling in Clark v. Rameker determined that inherited IRAs generally do not receive the same federal bankruptcy protection as owner-held IRAs.
Rolling an IRA into a 401(k) is one method to protect it from creditors in bankruptcy proceedings.
Answer: True
Explanation: Transferring IRA assets into a qualified employer plan, such as a 401(k), is recognized as a strategy for protecting those assets from creditors in bankruptcy.
Inherited IRAs generally receive the same federal bankruptcy protection as IRAs owned by the account holder.
Answer: False
Explanation: Under federal law, inherited IRAs typically do not receive the same bankruptcy protection afforded to IRAs owned by the original account holder, as established in legal precedents like Clark v. Rameker.
A surviving spouse inheriting an IRA can choose to treat it as their own or roll it over into another plan based on their life expectancy.
Answer: True
Explanation: A surviving spouse inheriting an IRA has the option to treat it as their own or to roll it over into a plan from which distributions are taken based on their life expectancy.
A non-spouse beneficiary inheriting an IRA can treat it as their own and defer distributions indefinitely.
Answer: False
Explanation: A non-spouse beneficiary inheriting an IRA cannot treat it as their own and must typically withdraw all assets within 10 years.
When an inherited IRA has multiple beneficiaries, distribution rules are based on the age of the youngest beneficiary.
Answer: False
Explanation: For inherited IRAs with multiple beneficiaries, distribution rules are typically based on the age of the oldest beneficiary, or the IRA can be split into separate accounts.
What did the Supreme Court decide regarding inherited IRAs and bankruptcy protection in the case of Clark v. Rameker?
Answer: Inherited IRAs do not qualify for federal bankruptcy exemption as 'retirement funds'.
Explanation: In Clark v. Rameker, the Supreme Court ruled that inherited IRAs do not qualify for federal bankruptcy exemption as 'retirement funds'.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a general option for protecting an IRA from creditors?
Answer: Converting the IRA to a taxable brokerage account
Explanation: Converting an IRA to a taxable brokerage account is not listed as a method for protecting IRA assets from creditors; other methods include rollovers to 401(k)s or taking distributions.
How does the bankruptcy protection for inherited IRAs generally compare to owner-held IRAs under federal law?
Answer: Inherited IRAs generally lack the same federal protection.
Explanation: Under federal law, inherited IRAs generally lack the same bankruptcy protection afforded to IRAs owned by the original account holder.
What did the Supreme Court rule in Rousey v. Jacoway concerning debtors in bankruptcy and their IRAs?
Answer: Debtors can exempt IRA funds up to the amount needed for retirement.
Explanation: In Rousey v. Jacoway, the Supreme Court ruled that debtors in bankruptcy can exempt IRA funds, provided they are needed for retirement.
How are distributions handled for non-spouse beneficiary inheriting an IRA?
Answer: They must withdraw all assets within 10 years of the owner's death.
Explanation: Non-spouse beneficiaries inheriting an IRA are generally required to withdraw all assets within 10 years of the original owner's death.
The 2008 EBRI IRA Database showed that the median IRA balance was significantly higher than the average balance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2008 EBRI IRA Database indicated that the average IRA balance was significantly higher than the median balance, suggesting a skew due to large accounts.
According to 2008 EBRI data, rollovers represented a smaller dollar amount added to IRAs compared to new contributions.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to 2008 EBRI data, rollovers represented a significantly larger dollar amount added to IRAs compared to new contributions.
In 2008, Traditional IRAs and Rollover IRAs combined represented the majority of IRA types held.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2008, Traditional IRAs and Rollover IRAs collectively constituted the majority of IRA types held, representing approximately 67% of all IRAs.
A 2014 GAO report estimated that nearly all taxpayers held IRAs, with a total value exceeding $10 trillion.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 2014 GAO report estimated that approximately 43 million taxpayers held IRAs with a total value of $5.2 trillion, not that nearly all taxpayers held them or that the value exceeded $10 trillion.
A 2015 NIRS study found that a significant portion of working Americans, 45%, did not own any retirement account assets.
Answer: True
Explanation: A 2015 study by the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) indicated that 45% of working Americans lacked any retirement account assets.
Peter Thiel's Roth IRA reportedly grew substantially due to investments in startups under non-standard terms.
Answer: True
Explanation: Peter Thiel's Roth IRA reportedly experienced substantial growth through investments in startups made under non-standard terms.
The image accompanying the article illustrates historical changes in IRA contribution limits over time.
Answer: True
Explanation: The image provided visually represents the historical evolution of IRA contribution limits over various years.
Canada's Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are cited as an example of a similar retirement savings policy in another country.
Answer: True
Explanation: Canada's Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) are mentioned as an example of a retirement savings policy comparable to IRAs in another country.
According to the 2008 EBRI IRA Database, how did rollovers compare to new contributions in terms of dollar amounts added to IRAs?
Answer: Rollovers were more than ten times greater than new contributions.
Explanation: The 2008 EBRI IRA Database indicated that rollovers represented dollar amounts more than ten times greater than new contributions added to IRAs.
What did the 2014 GAO report estimate as the total fair market value of IRAs held by taxpayers for the tax year 2011?
Answer: $5.2 trillion
Explanation: The 2014 GAO report estimated the total fair market value of IRAs held by taxpayers for the tax year 2011 to be $5.2 trillion.
Based on the 2015 National Institute on Retirement Security study, what percentage of working Americans had no retirement account assets?
Answer: 45%
Explanation: The 2015 National Institute on Retirement Security study found that 45% of working Americans lacked any retirement account assets.
What was the median retirement account balance for households nearing retirement in 2015, according to the NIRS study?
Answer: $14,500
Explanation: According to the 2015 NIRS study, the median retirement account balance for households nearing retirement was $14,500.
According to the 2014 GAO report, what percentage of taxpayers with IRAs had account balances of $1 million or less?
Answer: Approximately 98.5%
Explanation: The 2014 GAO report indicated that approximately 98.5% of taxpayers with IRAs held account balances of $1 million or less.
What is the significance of the 2008 EBRI IRA Database data regarding average vs. median balances?
Answer: It indicated the average balance was higher, suggesting a skew from large accounts.
Explanation: The 2008 EBRI IRA Database data highlighted that the average IRA balance was higher than the median, indicating a skew caused by a few substantial accounts.
Which country's retirement savings policy is mentioned as similar to IRAs, specifically the 'Superannuation' system?
Answer: Australia
Explanation: Australia's 'Superannuation' system is mentioned as a retirement savings policy similar to IRAs.