Why do i not qualify for IRA deductions if i contribute to a Roth?

[MaryK1 · Accepted solution]

Tax deductions are only available for traditional IRAs, never a ROTH IRA.

ROTH IRAs are different than a traditional IRA (which is deductible).  With a ROTH IRA, you are not taxed on the money (the amount or the interest) when you take it out after you retire so you do NOT pay the tax on the money later.  With a traditional IRA, you get the tax break now but you have to pay the tax on the money later.  (Pay now or pay later)