An IRA, or individual retirement account, is a type of investment account that offers tax-deferred or tax-free savings for retirement. IRA contributions may be tax-deductible and have initial investment requirements, but they also come with limits on how much you can contribute and when you can make withdrawals. A brokerage account, on the other hand, is a type of investment account that allows you to buy and sell stocks, securities, and mutual funds more freely. Brokerage accounts are typically taxed on interest, dividends, and capital gains annually, and there are no limits on how much you can contribute.