Retirement plans including traditional 401(k)s and deductible IRAs, grow tax-deferred. In addition, there are certain investments which earn income that is not currently taxable, such as Series EE and Series I Savings Bonds, certain tax favored education plans, annuities, and cash value life insurance. And, if the Series EE and Series I savings bonds and education plans are used for college, you may never pay tax on the income.
Roth 401(k)s, Roth 403(b)s, and Roth IRAs are considered tax-free investment accounts. Provided you adhere to the holding period requirements established by the IRS, qualified withdrawals from this type of IRA are never taxed.
SUGGESTION: The monies in your retirement plans are growing on a tax-deferred basis (tax-free in a Roth 401(k), Roth 403(b), and Roth IRA); that is, the earnings are not being taxed while they are in the retirement plan. Since you're already getting a tax-deferred benefit, don't invest any of your funds in tax-exempt investments within a retirement account. It may be prudent to consider investing in higher yield taxable investments.
Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions,Inc.
Member FINRA / SIPC. Osaic and Friend Bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Osaic are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value.