I admittedly don't know much about this stuff...
I need to open a ROTH IRA - is it cheaper to do it some places than others? Any advantages to one place or another?
do you expect significant retirement income from other sources?
I'm kinda pressed for time over the next 36 hours, but I'll be happy to have and extended conversation with you in September
tons of variables, lots of give and take
PS: I generally like Roth's too, the younger the better
Willie, i noticed that contributions to Roths are pretty much disallowed if you file married filing separately. I contribute funds for my wife to a Roth and we did file married filing separately this last year.
What are the consequences to contributing a technically ineligible amount to a Roth? Honestly had no idea. What are the odds the IRS would ever know? Would it come up way down the road when we are seeking to withdraw?
There are penalties that you would pay each year until the $$ is reclassified. If you contributed in 2014 for her - you have until April 15 (or until you file your return if you file an extension) and can recharacterize the contribution to a traditional IRA or a few other options. Any earnings you have on the Roth that is recharacterized will be considered taxable tho.
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Not sure if the IRS would ever know but i think its easier to just recharacterize. I am 99% sure my post above is correct but I can double check tomorrow at work if needed - Im sure Willie probably knows this as well