Ira Custodial Fees

[TAXNJ]

Are the IRA CUSTODIAL FEES deductible under the either of the following:

1 - If you pay the custodian directly

or

2- If the custodian takes the fee out of your account directly

Thanks in advance

[Dervis]

IRA fees

IRA custodial fees are deductible on Sch. A if you pay the custodian directly, but not if they are taken out of the account. They fall under misc. deductions subject to 2% AGI

[CarolToppCPA]

Why the difference?

Why are IRA fees not deductible if taken directly out of the account? Is it becauuse they are assumed to be from the tax-dererred growth on the account? I guess I can see that outside payments directly to the custodian would be with after-tax dollars.

DId I just answer my own question correctly?

Carol