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Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator — Tax Rate Comparison & Payoff
Compare after-tax retirement payouts between upfront tax deductions and tax-free Roth withdrawals.
Parameters & Values
Computed Financial Summary
Real-timeAdjust parameters to update tax and amortization results.
Roth vs Traditional IRA Decision Formula
Transparent mathematical methodology explained in plain English.
If Current Tax Rate < Retirement Tax Rate -> Choose Roth | If Current Tax Rate > Retirement Tax Rate -> Choose TraditionalTraditional IRAs save taxes today at your current marginal rate and pay tax on withdrawal; Roth IRAs pay tax today and withdraw 100% tax-free in retirement.
Variables Explained:
- Current Marginal Tax Bracket %: Your current top income tax bracket today (e.g. 24%).
- Expected Retirement Tax Bracket %: Your estimated tax bracket in retirement (e.g. 15%).
$7,000 Annual Contribution for 25 Years at 7% (24% Current Tax vs 15% Retirement Tax)
Evaluating net after-tax spendable retirement income.
- Total Future Balance: $474,245.
- Traditional IRA Net After 15% Tax: $474,245 × (1 - 0.15) = $403,108 (Plus upfront tax savings invested).
- Roth IRA Net: $474,245 (100% tax free).
- Recommendation: Traditional IRA wins if current tax bracket (24%) significantly exceeds retirement bracket (15%).
Frequently Asked Questions: Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator
Click any question below to expand quick answers, formulas, and expert tips.
Who benefits most from a Roth IRA?
Younger investors, early-career professionals in lower tax brackets (10%–22%), and anyone expecting higher future tax rates or substantial pension income.
What is a Backdoor Roth IRA?
A legal strategy for high earners above the Roth income limits: contribute to a non-deductible Traditional IRA and immediately convert it to a Roth IRA.