A new year will usher in changes to Roth IRA “conversion” rules, which will

result in long-term tax-free growth for those who take advantage of the new

rules. A Roth IRA differs from a standard IRA in several ways. Distributions

received from a standard IRA are taxable at a taxpayer’s marginal income tax

rate, whereas Roth IRA distributions are not taxable. Also, taxpayers are

required to take “minimum distributions” (and pay tax) from a standard IRA

when they reach age 70 ½. There are no distributions required from a Roth

IRA during the lifetime of the individual who created the account.