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What is the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA?
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The main difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA is the timing of the tax benefits. With a Traditional IRA, the contributions are typically tax deductible in the year they are made and any earnings grow tax-deferred until taken out; however, withdrawals are taxed as income. With a Roth IRA, contributions are made with after-tax dollars and any earnings are withdrawn tax-free, provided certain conditions are met.