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    Roth Conversions

    Calculate tax-smart retirement moves.

    What is Roth conversion?

    • Move money from Traditional IRA to Roth IRA.
    • Pay taxes on conversion now.
    • Tax-free growth + withdrawals later.
    • No RMDs on Roth.
    • Can pass tax-free to heirs.
    • Often beneficial in low-income years.

    Free calculators

    • Fidelity Roth Conversion calculator — free.
    • Schwab Roth IRA Conversion — free.
    • NewRetirement.com — free + paid.
    • BankRate Roth calculator.
    • All free with simple inputs.
    • Try several for comparison.

    When conversion makes sense

    • Income lower in retirement than working years.
    • Years between retirement + 73 (RMD age).
    • Want to leave tax-free inheritance.
    • Enough cash to pay conversion tax.
    • Expect higher taxes in future.
    • Have many years of compound growth ahead.

    When NOT to convert

    • Need to pay taxes from IRA itself (defeats purpose).
    • Already in highest tax bracket.
    • Plan to leave to charity (charity pays no tax).
    • Short life expectancy.
    • State taxes very high.
    • Bumps you into higher Medicare premium bracket.

    Watch IRMAA

    • Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount.
    • High income raises Medicare premiums.
    • Big Roth conversions can trigger.
    • Two-year lookback.
    • Calculator should account for this.
    • Consult financial advisor before big conversions.

    Talk to professional

    • Free consultations from Fidelity/Schwab/Vanguard.
    • Or pay fee-only fiduciary advisor.
    • One-time advice often worth $500–$1,500.
    • Mistakes here cost tens of thousands.
    • Don't DIY without research.
    • Get a second opinion.

    Pre-RMD years are golden

    For most retirees, the years between retirement (62–67) and RMDs (73) are the prime Roth conversion window. Lower income years before Social Security maximizes. Convert just enough each year to fill up your current tax bracket. Run Fidelity's free calculator. Talk to a fee-only advisor for personalized strategy.