401(k)Traditional IRARoth IRA
Tax treatment of contributions

  • Contributions made with pre-tax dollars, which reduces your taxable income on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Some employers offer a Roth 401(k) option, funded with after-tax dollars.

  • Investments in the account grow tax-deferred. If Roth 401(k), investments grow tax-free.

  • Contributions are deductible. Higher income combined with participation in a workplace retirement account (for you or your spouse, if married filing jointly) may reduce or eliminate deduction.

  • Investments in the account grow tax-deferred.
  • Contributions are not deductible.

  • Investments in the account grow tax-free.

Investment optionsA pre-selected list of investments, mainly mutual funds. Some plans have a brokerage option with access to investments outside of the plan.Any investment available through your account provider (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.).
Taxes on withdrawals in retirement (after age 59 ½)Distributions are taxed as ordinary income. If Roth 401(k), distributions are tax-free. Distributions are taxed as ordinary income. Distributions are tax-free as long as the account has been open for at least five years.
Early withdrawal rules (before age 59 ½)Unless you meet an exception, early withdrawals of contributions and earnings are taxed and subject to a 10% penalty. See more on 401(k) early withdrawal rules.Unless you meet an exception, early withdrawals of contributions and earnings are taxed and subject to a 10% penalty. See more on traditional IRA withdrawal rules.
  • Contributions can be withdrawn at any time, tax and penalty free.

  • Unless you meet an exception, early withdrawals of earnings may be subject to a 10% penalty and income taxes. See the Roth IRA early withdrawal rules.