TAX ADVANTAGES
Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, meaning you can deduct that amount from your taxable income if eligible. In addition, the money in the Traditional IRA grows tax deferred, meaning any income/profit from the Traditional IRA investments are not taxed. Instead, taxes are deferred on these funds until withdrawn.
ELIGIBILITY
Anyone with U.S. earned income is eligible to open a Traditional IRA, but there are some restrictions as to who can deduct the contributions. There are income limits that are used to determine how much of the contributions are deductible, if you or your spouse are participants in an employer plan.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions are required from a Traditional IRA once you reach age 73. You may delay your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) until April 1st of the following year but all subsequent distributions must be done by December 31st.