A Roth IRA flips the traditional tax deal: you contribute money that’s already been taxed, and in exchange, qualified withdrawals in retirement — including all the investment growth — are completely tax-free.
Roths are especially attractive for people who expect to be in a higher tax bracket later, and they offer flexibility: contributions (though not earnings) can be withdrawn at any time without penalty. Income limits and contribution caps apply and change periodically — verify current IRS rules.