Official Site of the U.S. Air Force   Right Corner Banner
Join the Air Force

News > Roth contributions open to all active-duty service members
 
Related Stories
 Thrift savings plan contribution limits increase in 2012 - 12/13/2011
Roth contributions open to all active-duty service members

Posted 10/1/2012   Updated 10/3/2012 Email story   Print story

    


by Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service


10/1/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- Beginning Oct. 1, active-duty members of the Army, Navy and Air Force will be able to contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan as part of their investment planning, Defense Financing and Accounting Service officials said today.

The after-tax contributions will be electronically deducted from service members' pay accounts.

Active-duty service members can start their Roth TSP contributions through their online myPay accounts, which offer the fastest, easiest and most secure method to manage both Roth and traditional TSP contributions. The second option open to service members is to submit a TSP-U-1 form to their finance office. Instructions and links are available at the DFAS website, http://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/rothtspformilitary.html.

Active-duty and reserve Marines and federal civilian employees paid by DFAS were able to begin participating in the program earlier this summer, officials said. Roth TSP participation will be available to other branches of the National Guard and reserves by mid-to-late 2013.

The timeline difference between active-duty and reserve or National Guard service members resulted from an interim solution for reserve-component members that didn't meet Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board requirements, DFAS officials said.

While work continues for options that will be available more quickly and satisfy the law and FRTIB requirements at the same time, DFAS officials said, the new schedule will allow time to make systems changes and electronic deductions that meet all requirements.

Before selecting Roth TSP contributions, service members should determine how much of their pay is eligible. A Roth TSP worksheet, also available on the DFAS website can help make the calculations.

Military members are required to contribute a minimum amount equaling 1 percent of their basic pay to begin TSP contributions. For those who are not participating in traditional TSP investments, the initial Roth TSP election must meet this 1 percent requirement. The IRS maximum contribution to Roth TSP is $17,000 per year, DFAS officials said.

Military members can use eligible tax-exempt pay earned in combat zones to contribute to Roth TSP.

Payroll deductions for Roth TSP contributions begin the month following members' selections via myPay or the TSP-U-1 form submission to their military finance office.

.



tabComments
10/9/2012 8:50:51 AM ET
MSgt Ed - No roll over from traditional TSP must be new contributions. Lt - to clarify... this Roth is part of your TSP which the total is 17k per year and all 17k can be Roth. Yes you can still have 5K going to a separate IRA. Good advice to consult tax person as Roth contribution does count as your income and you will pay taxes on it.
Senior, RAFB
 
10/6/2012 1:51:56 PM ET
Now how about some employer matching contributions for Active Duty participants The DoD is way behind best practices in the commercial world on this.
SMSgt Dover, Langley AFB
 
10/6/2012 10:16:24 AM ET
The limit for TSP which is governed by the rules of 401K is 17000 whether Roth or Traditional. This is an advantage over Roth IRA which is 5000 unless you qualify for catch-up contributions. If you have both a Roth IRA and a Roth 401K or Roth TSP you may maximize the contributions to both. If you want to confirm this speak to a tax advisor or read fact sheets available at tsp . gov or your bank such as usaa . com
Mark, Nashville TN
 
10/5/2012 10:06:03 AM ET
Does anyone know if we can we roll our regular TSP over to the Roth TSP
MSgt Ed, Scott AFB
 
10/2/2012 4:34:42 PM ET
IRA and TSP accounts are separate each with their own federal limits. Both IRAs and TSP can now be designated 'Traditional' or 'Roth'. The limit for IRAs in 2012 is 5000 while TSP limits are 17000 per year. Therefore you can contribute up to 22000 per year between two accounts. There are exceptions based on income and age you should consult a tax advisor or search online for more information.
Lt, WPAFB
 
10/2/2012 3:24:56 PM ET
Hear hear Maj. I am amazed that the maximum contribution is $17,000 this is a phenomenal deal for us. I have already contributed the max to my regular Roth IRA. Does that count against my potential maximum contributions towards the Roth TSP?
SrA Snuffy, Bagram Afghanistan
 
10/2/2012 2:09:46 PM ET
As I understand it a normal ROTH has a contribution cap of $5,000 a year unless you are in your 50's then you can contribute more. Why has this cap been tripled to $17,000 a year? Is that a typo or is Uncle Sam taking care of the military? I think its a typo.
Skiz, Hickam HI
 
10/1/2012 11:02:08 PM ET
It's about time. DFAS and the USAF have only been in violation of federal law for 3 years by not having this option. Last time I checked when I'm in violation of federal law I get Article 15'd or Court Martialed and likely kicked out of the Air Force. Good double standards
Maj, Home for a change
 
10/1/2012 10:53:47 AM ET
Awesome. Everyone sign up quick before the government realizes how great of a deal this is and takes it away.
Arnie, MD
 
Add a comment

 Inside AF.mil

ima cornerSearch

tabSubscribe AF.MIL
tabMore HeadlinesRSS feed 
Army UH-1H finds new home with Air Force

Academy cadets to conduct 'Flightline of the Future' research

Intel experts converge for 2012 GEOINT Symposium  1

AF training instructor responds to traffic accident  1

Air Force leaders salute Navy on 237th birthday  1

AFSPC commander speaks at 11th Annual Air Force IT Day event

Through Airmen's Eyes: U.K. Airman places in 61.2-mile ultra-marathon  1

Academy cyber competition team takes 1st at NYU event  1

Gen. Shelton convenes accident investigation

Airmen rally to help save lives  1

Lost Johnny Carson film found at March

Brig. Gen. Witham nominated as ANG deputy director

AFPC Airman: Don't forget, they're not all home

Muncy Honored With Second Highest Private Citizen Award

tabCommentaryRSS feed 
Standards? What standards?   3

First things first: Get your degrees in order  40


Site Map      Contact Us     Questions     Security and Privacy notice     E-publishing