Roth IRA Application
Charles Schwab

This form opens a Roth IRA.

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Both Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs use the same application, a Schwab IRA Account Application. Employer-sponsored IRAs, like SEP-IRAs or SIMPLE IRAs, can use this form but also require additional documentation.

This prefilled form is ready for opening a Roth IRA, the post-tax IRA. You can find the prefilled one for a traditional IRA here.

In Section 1, we have identified the account type as a “Roth Contributory.” This account type will work appropriately for all Roth IRA needs.

Section 2 is where you fill out your information as an account holder.

On Page 7 in Section 7, you should fill out your beneficiary designations. You can identify which designations you want to be primary by selecting the “Primary” box and which ones you want to be contingent by selecting the “Contingent” box under “Type of Beneficiary.” At a minimum, you should at least identify all your primary beneficiaries.

If you want to use either the per stirpes or per capita designations on any of your beneficiaries, fill out your application for now without those designations. Then, once your account is open, fill out this form to Update Beneficiary Designations at Schwab.

Finally, you should sign and date in Section 8.