Roth IRA Conversion

by | Oct 22, 2023 | Resources

General Information

A Roth IRA conversion is a financial strategy that allows individuals to transfer funds from a Traditional IRA or other qualified retirement account into a Roth IRA. There is no limit on the amount you can convert per year or lifetime, but, if subject to the annual required minimum distribution (RMD), the RMD must be satisfied first before a conversion is done. A Roth IRA conversion can have significant tax implications, as the funds moved to the Roth IRA are generally subject to income tax in the year of conversion. However, it offers the advantage of tax-free withdrawals in retirement and the potential for long-term tax savings. Understanding the rules and implications of Roth IRA conversions is essential for effective retirement planning.

 

Retirement accounts that can be converted to a Roth IRA include:

  • Traditional IRA
  • SEP IRA
  • SIMPLE IRA
  • Employer retirement plan (401k, 403b, 457b)

 

PROS

  • Tax-Free Growth: Investment gains in a Roth IRA grow tax-free.
  • Flexibility for Early Withdrawals: Contributions can be withdrawn penalty-free for emergencies.
  • Tax-Free Withdrawals: Amounts previously converted to Roth IRA can be withdrawn tax-free at any age. After 59½, distributions of earnings are tax-free. Distributions may also be tax-free to beneficiaries.  
  • No Required Minimum Distributions: Roth IRAs don’t have mandatory withdrawals, providing more control.
  • Tax Diversification: Diversify the tax treatment of your retirement income. 
  • No Age Limit: No age limits for executing conversions.
  • Hedge Against Future Tax Increases: Lock in lower tax rates now.
  • No Impact on Social Security Taxation: Roth IRA withdrawals don’t affect Social Security taxation.

 

CONS

  • Immediate Tax Obligation: The conversion incurs immediate income tax on the amount transferred.  Also, the additional income could push you into a higher tax bracket.
  • Reduced Liquidity: Paying taxes can deplete your available cash or result in a smaller contribution to the Roth IRA.
  • Uncertainty About Future Taxes: Future tax rates are unpredictable, and you may overpay if tax rates decrease in the future.
  • Long Break-Even Period: It may take years to recoup taxes paid during the conversion.
  • RMDs Continue for Other IRAs: RMDs on other Traditional IRAs still apply, complicating retirement planning.
  • Complex Rules: Roth conversions have complex rules and errors can lead to penalties.
  • No Recharacterization Option: The ability to reverse a conversion is no longer available.

 

Access Charles Schwab’s Roth IRA Conversion calculator here.

Before deciding on a Roth IRA conversion, consult a financial advisor or tax expert.