Backdoor Roth IRA Calculator
Backdoor Roth IRA Calculator
What will your backdoor Roth actually cost in tax?
Tax-free portion
0
your own after-tax contribution, pro-rated
Taxable portion
0
pre-tax money the pro-rata rule pulls in
Tax owed on this conversion
0
at your marginal rate
The pro-rata rule
The IRS treats ALL your traditional IRA money as one pool. You can't choose to convert only the after-tax dollars — the taxable share of any conversion equals your total pre-tax balance divided by your total IRA balance (pre-tax + this contribution).
A cleaner way to do this
If your 401(k) accepts incoming rollovers, moving your existing pre-tax IRA balance INTO it first (before converting) can zero out the pro-rata problem entirely — then every future backdoor contribution converts 100% tax-free.
The backdoor Roth has no income limit — it's a two-step move (non-deductible contribution, then conversion) available regardless of MAGI. The direct-Roth-contribution income limit (2026: roughly $150,000–$165,000 single, $236,000–$246,000 married filing jointly) only blocks contributing to a Roth IRA directly, not this workaround. The pro-rata rule applies across ALL your traditional/SEP/SIMPLE IRAs combined (not just the account you're converting from) — a common mistake is checking only one account's balance. This is a simplified estimate, not tax advice; a CPA should confirm your specific account mix before you file Form 8606.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I actually need to retire comfortably?
It depends on your expected retirement expenses, Social Security benefit, and life expectancy -- there's no single universal number, though rules of thumb like "25x annual expenses" are a common starting point. This calculator lets you build a more specific estimate from your own numbers.Read more: Social Security Estimator: Why Claiming Age Changes Everything
What's the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA?
A 401(k) is employer-sponsored, often with an employer match, and has a higher annual contribution limit. An IRA is opened independently at a brokerage, with a lower contribution limit but typically far more investment choice. Many people contribute to both -- a 401(k) up to the employer match, then an IRA.Read more: Roth vs Traditional Calculator: Pay Tax Now or Pay Tax Later?
When should I claim Social Security -- 62, 67, or 70?
Claiming at 62 gives a permanently reduced benefit; waiting until your full retirement age (typically 66-67) gives the full benefit; waiting until 70 gives the maximum benefit, growing roughly 8% per year you delay past full retirement age. The right age depends on your health, other income, and whether you need the money sooner.Read more: Retirement Number Calculator: How Much Is Actually Enough?
How does inflation affect my retirement savings?
Inflation erodes purchasing power both before and during retirement, so a nominal dollar figure that looks sufficient today can fall short decades from now. This calculator shows results in both nominal and inflation-adjusted terms so you're not planning around a number that quietly loses value.Read more: Social Security Estimator: Why Claiming Age Changes Everything
Estimates only, not financial advice. See our Disclaimer.
