Traditional IRA
A retirement account with a tax break now.
A traditional IRA is a US retirement account where contributions may be tax-deductible today. You pay income tax when you withdraw in retirement.
How it compares with a Roth
Roth: pay tax now, withdraw tax-free later. Traditional: possibly save tax now, pay tax later. Which is better depends mostly on whether you expect your tax rate to be higher now or in retirement.
Whether your contribution is deductible depends on your income and whether you have a workplace plan. Withdrawals before 59½ usually carry a 10% penalty, and required minimum withdrawals start in your 70s.