Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Understand the different types of investment accounts like retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, and their unique tax treatment.
- Research investment firms, their fees, services, and incentives when selecting an account provider.
- Consider your financial goals when deciding which type of investment account to open.
- Look at reviews of investment firms to evaluate costs, convenience, and comfort level.
- Consult a financial advisor for guidance on selecting the right account type and provider for your individual needs.
Before you move forward with opening an investment account, it's important to understand the different types available. Knowing your options can help you choose the right account to support your financial goals.
A financial professional can show you how to set up an investment account and, in most cases, open one for you. But if you're interested in learning how to open an investment account, here's what to consider.
Investment Accounts & Taxes
When you open an investment account, one important consideration is whether or not your investments will receive special tax treatment. This is reserved only for specific kinds of investments, and they typically have restrictions on how the money can be used.
Certain retirement, health and education accounts are tax-deferred, meaning the funds invested are not taxed — and earnings on investments aren't taxed until the funds are withdrawn. Contributions to a tax-deferred account are subject to normal income tax upon distribution.
In other instances, the initial investment amount is taxed, but the earnings are not. Additionally, retirement distributions taken before the age of 59½ will incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Some investments, such as brokerage accounts, are made using after-tax funds, or funds on which taxes have already been paid. Earnings on these accounts are taxed annually, regardless of whether they are withdrawn.
Types of Investment Accounts
Before opening an investment account, it's a good idea to know the properties of the different options. Here are the types of investment accounts to consider.
Education Accounts
A common type of education account is a 529 savings plan, which receives special treatment for after-tax contributions. These accounts allow funds to be used for education-related purposes. They can be opened through a brokerage firm.
Tax-Deferred Retirement Accounts
There are a few different types of retirement accounts that receive special tax treatment:
- 401(k) accounts are opened through employers. For 2024, the IRS will allow individuals under age 50 to contribute a maximum of $23,000 (those who are age 50 or older can contribute $30,500).
- Individual retirement accounts, also known as IRAs, come in two types. For 2024, the IRS will allow individuals under age 50 to contribute a maximum of $7,000 (those who are age 50 or older can contribute $8,000).1
- Traditional IRAs: These use pre-tax funds. Distributions from these accounts are taxed as regular income as long as they're taken after age 59½, otherwise the funds will incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
- Roth accounts: These use after-tax contributions. You won't owe any taxes on your gains in retirement as long as you meet certain requirements for a qualified withdrawal. Distributions taken before you've held a Roth account for five years or longer (or before age 59½) will incur a 10% penalty fee and possibly additional taxes. For 2024, the IRS will allow individuals under age 50 to contribute a maximum of $23,000.
Brokerage Accounts
These are also known as taxable brokerage accounts or non-retirement accounts. They can be used for retirement but do not receive special tax treatment like other retirement accounts. They can be opened through various investment firms or banks. In general, they may be worth considering as a way to diversify your portfolio of investments.
Health Savings Accounts
These accounts — also called HSAs — receive special tax treatment and can be opened only by people who have eligible health insurance plans with high deductibles. They can be opened through banks and through employers that administer them. In general, the funds can be used only for qualified medical expenses.
Annuities
While annuities aren't actually investment accounts, they do have some of the same properties, depending on the type of annuity you consider. Annuities are contracts with insurance companies, wherein you make one or more premium payments, and the money has the potential to grow over a specified period of time. The growth can be determined by a fixed percentage in the contract or by the performance of investments in an underlying portfolio. The amount of any gains or losses could also be tied to the performance of an index, such as the S&P 500® or a proprietary index.
In general, annuity growth is not taxed until the funds are withdrawn. Withdrawals from annuities before the age of 59½ are generally subject to an additional 10% tax penalty.
Ready to Open an Account? Here's What to Do Next
Generally, the best way to open an investment account is to decide on your goals and then consider what type of account would support them.
It's also wise to look at reviews for different investment and brokerage firms to evaluate their fees and incentives, as well as the services they offer and how convenient they are to you. In addition to traditional firms, you could consider a robo-advisor, which generally provides a lower level of service but generally lower fees and costs.
You can talk to representatives at traditional firms about their offerings before opening an account to determine your comfort level and whether they meet your needs. Once you settle on a firm, you will want to determine if the account is in the customers best interest, then the application can be completed. You may want to research the investments in the account and make sure your funds are distributed according to your preferences.
In general, it's a good idea to monitor your account over time and make changes to your investments as needed.
When you're ready to start investing, reach out to a financial professional who can talk about your individual options and help you manage your personal finances. These professionals can provide valuable insight and walk you through how to set up an investment account, including a 529, an IRA or a brokerage account.
Sources
- Retirement Topics - 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan Contribution Limits. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-401k-and-profit-sharing-plan-contribution-limits.
