Roth IRA minimum contribution for minor with earned income

[Guest aliealie]

In opening a Roth IRA for a minor (16) with earned

income is there a minimum contribution amount in

Massachusettes. I have looked in state sites but

can only find info on minimum distributions. Any

other info on this topic would be appreciated

[John G]

Roth minimums? Specs for a Roth are defined at the Federal level, not by States. There are no mimimum specifications in anything I see, the max is set by earned income or 2,000 which ever is higher. For more details try http://www.rothira.com

Practical limits come from the custodial arrangements, fund mimimums and annual fees. For example, $250 is about the lowest initial amount for a handful of mutual funds, most seek $1000 min for IRAs. It also would not make a lot of sense to put $250 into an IRA and then see $25 disappear for annual fees either. Mimimums and annual fees vary significantly so you need to make a few phone calls or use the http://www.

Three ideas for you: (1) If you make a fixed monthly deposit into an IRA such as $50, some funds will accept a lower initial. and (2) You can gang together this years contribution and next years in January to meet the threshold. For example, you may want to contribute $250 this year but next year expect to contribute $750... which allows you to deposit $1000 in January (but make sure the custodian attributes the funds to the proper years). (3) Don't forget babysitting, lawnmowing and other "cash" (rather than paycheck jobs) qualify if you include this income on you 1040.

[Guest aliealie]

thanks for the site and info

very helpful!