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The 401k was a literal tax loophole - it was never intended to be a tax-deferred retirement vehicle. Some accountant just noticed it in the tax code and figured that most Americans could actually take advantage of it.

https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/your-401k-...

I assume you're sticking to your morals and don't use the 401k loophole?

> This benefits them and society. I don’t think you can say the same thing about the OP here.

The OP is given a tax incentive to build businesses in depressed economic zones and low-income areas.

Both roth ira and this special tax "loop hole" are incentives the gov't implemented to encourage a beneficial behaviour.

The spirit of the tax benefit, like all tax benefits, was to help some special interest avoid their taxes.