Roth Conversion Calculator
Analyze the tax impact of converting traditional IRA or 401(k) funds to Roth. See how conversions affect your tax bracket and calculate break-even timelines.
Using 2026 federal tax brackets. State taxes not included.
Conversion Analysis
Include wages, Social Security, pensions, other IRA distributions
Break-Even Analysis
Enter conversion details to analyze tax impact.
2026 Federal Tax Brackets
Married Filing Jointly brackets. Standard deduction: $32,200. Your taxable income (before conversion): $117,800.
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income Range | Your Status |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $24,800 | Filled |
| 12% | $24,800 – $100,800 | Filled |
| 22% | $100,800 – $211,400 | Current Bracket |
| 24% | $211,400 – $403,550 | |
| 32% | $403,550 – $512,450 | |
| 35% | $512,450 – $768,700 | |
| 37% | $768,700 – and up |
Roth Conversion Strategies
A Roth conversion moves funds from a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA. You pay income tax on the converted amount now, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. The key is determining whether paying taxes now is advantageous compared to paying taxes later.
When Conversions Make Sense
Lower Income Years
Sabbaticals, early retirement, career transitions, or years between retirement and Social Security/RMDs create opportunities to convert at lower brackets.
Rising Tax Rate Expectations
If clients expect higher future tax rates due to policy changes, large traditional balances, or estate planning goals, paying taxes now at known rates may be advantageous.
Tax Bracket Arbitrage
Fill up lower brackets each year with partial conversions. Converting $50,000 annually in the 22% bracket may be better than one large conversion pushing into the 32% or 35% bracket.
Estate Planning
Roth IRAs have no RMDs for the original owner and pass tax-free to beneficiaries. For clients focused on legacy planning, paying taxes now preserves more for heirs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Withholding from conversion:Don't use converted funds to pay taxes—this reduces the amount converted and may trigger early withdrawal penalties.
- Ignoring IRMAA: Large conversions near Medicare age can trigger income-related Medicare premium surcharges.
- Converting too much: Pushing into very high brackets rarely makes sense unless tax rates are expected to rise dramatically.
- Forgetting state taxes: Add state income tax to your analysis—some states have no income tax, making conversions more attractive.
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