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Official form guide
Form 5305-RA: Roth Individual Retirement Trust Account
IRS Form 5305-RA is a model custodial agreement that establishes a Roth IRA under section 408A. It must be signed by the individual depositor and the custodian, and the form is kept with personal records—not filed with the IRS.
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IRS Form 5305-RA - Roth Individual Retirement Trust Account
IRS Form 5305-RA is a model custodial agreement that establishes a Roth IRA under section 408A. It must be signed by the individual depositor and the custodian, and the form is kept with personal records—not filed with the IRS.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Filing the form with the IRS triggers rejection.
- 2Submitting the completed Form 5305-RA to the IRS instead of keeping it with personal records.
- 3Leaving the depositor’s signature line blank or unsigned, which prevents the agreement from being valid.
- 4Omitting the custodian’s signature or required witness signature when needed, making the agreement incomplete.
- 5Failing to check the amendment box when the form is being used to amend an existing agreement.
Plain English
This form creates a Roth Individual Retirement Account between you and a financial custodian. Both you and the custodian sign, then keep the signed agreement in your files. The custodian later sends required reports to the IRS.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2017-09-16 08:03:00
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when establishing a Roth individual retirement account (Roth IRA) under section 408A with a custodian.
- Do not use it when you need to file a report with the IRS or when establishing a non‑Roth (traditional) IRA.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Establishing a Roth IRA with a custodian
Model custodial agreement required by IRS
✓ Verify custodian signature before proceeding
Adding additional provisions to the agreement
Use Article IX space for extra terms
✓ Ensure provisions comply with state law and IRS guidance
Amending an existing custodial agreement
Check the amendment box on page 1
✓ Confirm both parties consent to changes
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Name of depositor
Depositor’s legal name · Form field on page 1
Date of birth of depositor
Birth certificate or SSN record · Form field on page 1
Account number
Assigned custodial account number · Form field on page 1
Check if amendment
Indicator box on page 1 · Form field on page 1
Custodian’s signature
Custodian’s handwritten signature · Form field on page 2
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form revision reads April 2017.
- 2Enter the depositor’s name legibly.
- 3Enter the depositor’s date of birth in the required format.
- 4Provide the depositor’s address completely.
- 5Enter the account number in the designated space.
- 6Check the amendment box only if modifying an existing agreement.
- 7Obtain the depositor’s signature.
- 8Obtain the custodian’s signature.
- 9If required, have a witness sign the form.
- 10Attach any additional articles on separate pages if used.
How to file this form
- 1Review the form to confirm it is the April 2017 revision — proof: revision date noted on page 1
- 2Enter depositor and custodian information in all required fields — proof: completed fields
- 3Check the amendment box only if applicable — proof: box marked appropriately
- 4Obtain signatures of depositor, custodian, and witness if required — proof: signatures present
- 5Attach any additional articles on separate pages and draw a line through unused space — proof: attached pages and line drawn
- 6Keep the fully executed Form 5305‑RA with your records — proof: retained copy
Known limitations
- 1The form does not apply to non‑cash contributions, except for qualified rollover contributions or recharacterized contributions.
- 2The form does not apply when cash contributions exceed $5,500 per year (or $6,500 for individuals age 50) for tax years 2013‑2017.
- 3The form does not apply for contribution limits after 2017 without checking for cost‑of‑living adjustments.
- 4The form does not apply to accounts created outside the United States.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 5305-RA is the April 2017 revision; the source does not indicate a newer version or a latest‑information page.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision reads April 2017
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm depositor and custodian signatures are present
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Do not file Form 5305‑RA with the IRS; keep the fully executed form with your personal records.
- 2Provide the custodian with all information needed to prepare required IRS reports.
- 3Expect the custodian to submit the IRS‑prescribed reports to both the IRS and you.
- 4Amend the agreement only with the consent of all signatories if changes are needed.
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — custodian will accept only cash contributions up to $5,500 per year for 2013‑2017 (or $6,500 for age 50).
- SRCForm p.1 — qualified rollover contributions and recharacterized contributions are exceptions to the cash‑only rule.
- SRCForm p.1 — contribution limits increase after 2017 with cost‑of‑living adjustment.
- SRCForm p.2 — do not file Form 5305‑RA with the IRS; keep it with your records.
- SRCForm p.2 — custodian agrees to submit reports to the IRS and depositor.
- SRCForm p.2 — amendments may be made with consent of persons whose signatures appear (Article VIII).
- SRCForm p.2 — account must be created in the United States for exclusive benefit of depositor.
- SRCForm p.1 — income phase‑out ranges: single $118,000‑$133,000; married filing jointly $186,000‑$196,000.
Common confusion points
Do I need to file this form with the IRS?
The form includes IRS branding, suggesting filing.
→ Verify that instructions say to keep the form with your records and not file it.
Can I contribute property instead of cash?
The form mentions cash contributions only, but the exception wording may be unclear.
→ Confirm that only cash contributions are accepted except for qualified rollovers or recharacterizations.
What is the contribution limit for this year?
The form lists limits for 2013‑2017 and notes possible adjustments after 2017.
→ Check the current IRS limits for the year you are contributing.
Is a witness required for my signature?
The form provides a witness signature line, causing uncertainty.
→ Use a witness only if the custodian requires a witnessed signature.
Can I add extra provisions to the agreement?
Article IX allows additional provisions, but they must comply with law.
→ Ensure any added provisions comply with state law and the Internal Revenue Code.
What happens if my surviving spouse is not the designated beneficiary?
Article V discusses distribution rules for surviving spouses.
→ Review Article V to understand how the remaining interest will be distributed.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 5305‑RA – may be amended with consent of signatories per Article VIII.
Questions about IRS Form 5305-RA
What is IRS Form 5305-RA used for?
This form creates a Roth Individual Retirement Account between you and a financial custodian. Both you and the custodian sign, then keep the signed agreement in your files. The custodian later sends required reports to the IRS.
Who must file IRS Form 5305-RA?
The individual depositor and the custodian must execute IRS Form 5305-RA.
What information does IRS Form 5305-RA require?
It collects the depositor’s name, birth date, address, account number, the custodian’s name and address, the amount assigned to the account, and required signatures.
Where do I file IRS Form 5305-RA?
Do not file IRS Form 5305-RA with the IRS; keep the completed agreement with your records.
How do I complete IRS Form 5305-RA?
Enter the depositor’s personal information and the custodian’s details in the designated fields. Indicate any amendment, assign the account amount, and have both the depositor and custodian sign, with a witness if required. The custodian must later submit IRS‑prescribed reports. Keep the fully executed form in your records.
What happens if IRS Form 5305-RA is filed incorrectly?
If the form is sent to the IRS, it will be rejected because the instructions require it not be filed.
Do I need to file this form with the IRS?
The form includes IRS branding, suggesting filing. Verify that instructions say to keep the form with your records and not file it.
Can I contribute property instead of cash?
The form mentions cash contributions only, but the exception wording may be unclear. Confirm that only cash contributions are accepted except for qualified rollovers or recharacterizations.
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