Roth IRA Calculator

Creating a Roth IRA can make a big difference in your retirement savings. There is no tax deduction for contributions made to a Roth IRA, however all future earnings are sheltered from taxes. The Roth IRA provides truly tax-free growth.

form_title=Roth 401k form_header=Start investing in your retirement by opening up a Roth 401k account. Find a personal finance expert to help you reach your retirement goals! Do you know the difference between a standard and Roth 401k plan?*= () Yes () No Do you currently have money invested in another 401k plan?*= () Yes () No Are you interested in converting a 401k to a Roth IRA?*= () Yes () No Does your employer match your contributions to any Roth 401k plans?*= () Yes () No

Roth vs Traditional 401(k)?

A 401(k) contribution can be an effective retirement tool. As of January 2006, there is a new type of 401(k) - the Roth 401(k). The Roth 401(k) allows you to contribute to your 401(k) account on an after-tax basis - and pay no taxes on qualifying distributions when the money is withdrawn. For some investors, this could prove to be a better option than contributing on a pre-tax basis, where deposits are subject to taxes when the money is withdrawn. Use this calculator to help determine the best option for your retirement.

Roth IRA Conversion

In 1997, the Roth IRA was introduced. This new IRA allowed for contributions to be made on an after tax basis and all gains (or growth) to be distributed completely tax-free. Since then, people with incomes under $100,000 have had the option to convert all or a portion of their existing Traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. Beginning in 2008, participants with funds in eligible employer sponsored plans could also roll those funds directly over to a Roth IRA in a qualified rollover if their income did not exceed the $100,000 threshold. Starting in 2010, all IRA owners and participants in eligible employer sponsored plans, regardless of income level, will be eligible to convert their Traditional IRA and pre-tax funds in an employer-sponsored plan (401(a)/(k), 403(b) and governmental 457(b)) to a Roth IRA. Is this a good option for you? A conversion has both advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered before you make a decision. This calculator compares two alternatives with equal out of pocket costs to estimate the change in total net-worth, at retirement, if you convert your Traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.

Roth IRA may be a term you’ve heard, but you may not know exactly what a Roth IRA is. The Roth IRA is named after its main sponsor, Sen. William Roth. It was created an alternative to other retirement planning options and may be the most advantageous option for middle income earners due to its potential for tax-free growth and tax-exempt earnings. While similar to a traditional IRA, there are some key differences investors should be aware of.

Investments outside any IRA plan are essentially taxed twice. Your original earnings are taxed before being invested plus your gains are taxed when you sell. IRAs provide a tax break at either the front or back end. Traditional IRAs provide the tax break on the front end. Contributions are pre-tax dollars which reduce your taxable income at the time of the contribution, your money grows tax-free while invested in a traditional IRA, but your earnings are taxed when you take distributions from your IRA.

Roth IRAs provide the tax break at the back end. Your contributions are not tax deductible, so there is not reduction of your taxable income up front; your money grows tax free while invested; plus you pay no tax at on your earnings when you begin taking distributions.

Some of the other key aspects of Roth IRAs include the following:

•All IRAs have restrictions on income: one limit to be able to receive the full benefit of the IRA and another limit to be able to receive a partial benefit from contributing. The income limits for Roth IRAs are higher than those for Traditional IRAs.

•Traditional IRAs require mandatory distributions beginning at age 70.5. Roth IRAs have no mandatory distribution age.

•Direct contributions to Roth IRAs may be withdrawn tax free at any time. This is not true for Traditional IRAs.

•Earnings on Roth IRAs may be withdrawn tax free provided the qualifications of being at least 59 ½ and the seasoning period of five years have been met.

•Roth IRAs include a provision for a tax-free $10,000 maximum lifetime earnings withdrawal for the purchase of a principal residence for a first-time home buyer.

•In general, Roth IRAs have fewer requirements and restrictions regarding wit