Why a Roth? A Roth contribution is after taxes. So the growth is tax deferred and withdrawals are free from income tax if held for 5 year and past 59 1/2.

For traditional IRA's

Taxes are deferred until distributions are made at retirement. Distributions are then taxable as ordinary income. Any withdrawals prior t0 age 591/2, a 10% federal penalty tax may apply to taxable amount. Contributions may be tax deductible depending on income limits

For Roth IRA's

Contributions are made with after-tax money. Qualified distributions are tax-free upon retirement when an account has open for at least five-years and/or certain requirements have been met. Non-qualified distributions of earning are taxed as ordinary income and prior to age 591/2, a 10% federal penalty tax may apple ay to the taxable amount. Eligibility to participate depends on adjustable gross income amounts.