**GAO-08-654**                      Published: Aug 14, 2008. Publicly Released: Sep 15, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Individual retirement accounts (IRA) allow individuals to save for retirement in a tax-preferred way. Traditional IRA contributions, subject to certain limitations, can be deducted from taxable earnings and taxes on earnings are deferred until distribution. In contrast, Roth IRA contributions are made after tax and distributions are tax-free. Faced with a myriad of rules covering IRA contributions and distributions, taxpayers may fail to comply with the rules. GAO was asked to (1) provide an overview of key rules and describe how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) educates taxpayers about these rules, (2) describe what IRS knows about the extent of noncompliance with IRA transactions reported on taxpayer returns, and (3) describe challenges taxpayers face with key rules and some options for strengthening compliance. GAO reviewed IRS documents and compliance data. To identify challenges, GAO interviewed officials from the financial industry and advisor representatives.

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## Topics

Retirement Security

Cost analysisData collectionFinancial institutionsFinancial managementIncome taxesIndividual retirement accountsNoncompliancePersonal income taxesProgram evaluationRetirementRetirement incomeStrategic planningTax administrationTax expendituresTax lawTaxesTaxpayersVoluntary complianceCost awarenessCost estimatesProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementation