What is an IRA?
An IRA is an Individual Retirement Account. It is a private retirement plan set up at a financial institution and it is possible to contribute earned income into it. It is a great way to save and grow funds for retirement purposes. There are rules and penalties regarding withdrawals before reaching 59 ½ years of age.
Why Use an IRA?
IRAs are used to provide extra income in retirement. It is possible for American Expats to open new IRA and Roth IRA accounts while living abroad. We can then create a tax-efficient strategy to consolidate old plans into a new one. It is also possible to convert the IRA into a Roth IRA over time in order to lower the yearly tax burden and create tax free income.
Benefits of an IRA
There are 2 kinds of IRA. The traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. The traditional IRA contribution reduces your taxable income for the year contributed and withdrawals will be taxed. The Roth IRA contribution is made after-tax and does not reduce your taxable income but the withdrawals are tax-free forever. Both types of Retirement plans are growing tax-deferred.
Why Harrison Brook
At Harrison Brook USA, we have the knowledge and experience to give you holistic financial advice as an American expat. As a team of advisors we have years of experience in Europe and in the USA advising Americans with their investments.
How Do You Get an IRA?
An IRA rollover is a direct transfer of funds from one US custodian to another. There is no tax implication since the funds never go directly to you. It is possible to consolidate multiple plans (401K,IRA,403B) into one IRA. It is important to mention that you can also rollover funds to a Roth IRA.