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Why Convert a Roth IRA?

Investing in a traditional IRA while earning a paycheck is a good way to defer income taxes on the money you contribute. Currently, taxpayers who aren’t covered by a retirement plan at work may deduct the full amount of their annual contributions to a traditional IRA.

Those who do participate in a work plan may be able to deduct partial contributions, subject to the following income limits:

Filing Status Modified AGI Deduction Status
Single, Head of household,
or Married filing separately and did not live with spouse at any time during year
$61,000 or less Full deduction up to contribution limit
$61,000 to $70,999 Partial deduction
$71,000 or more No deduction
Married filing jointly
or Qualifying widow(er)
$98,000 or less Full deduction up to contribution limit
 $98,000 to $117,999  Partial deduction
 $118,000 or more  No deduction
Married filing separately Less than $10,000  Partial deduction
 $10,000 or more  No deduction

 

So, after years of contributing to a traditional IRA, why would anyone convert it to a Roth IRA before retiring? First of all, if you anticipate that income tax rates will increase in the future, you can avoid that bill on your retirement income by paying at a lower rate now. Second, some individuals make the conversion when they’re already retired and in a lower tax bracket. This could benefit their eventual beneficiaries who are in a higher tax bracket. However, converting may not be a good move if individuals or their beneficiaries expect to be in a lower tax bracket when the funds are distributed in the future.

The issue at hand is that contributions in a traditional IRA grow tax-deferred until distributed. Contributions to a Roth are taxed up front, grow tax-free and then are distributed tax free. So the decision to convert depends on when the individual expects to receive the funds and what tax bracket they expect to be in when that happens.

There are a few strategies a traditional IRA investor can use to help mitigate future tax bills. One is to make the conversion gradually, moving over just enough money each year to stay within the current tax bracket. Also, it may be worth considering converting before the investor turns 70 ½ to avoid having to take a taxable required minimum distribution (RMD) first.

And finally, be aware that while traditional IRA RMDs begin at age 70 ½, an individual can convert the funds to a Roth IRA at any age thereafter. A Roth IRA does not require minimum annual distributions.

 

The content provided here is designed to provide general information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice.  Contact us at info@securedretirements.com or call us at (952) 460­-3260 to schedule a time to discuss your financial situation and the potential role of investments in your financial strategy.

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Ryan Keapproth

Ryan Keapproth

Retirement Planner

Ryan is dedicated to serving clients to achieve their retirement goals. Ryan’s holistic approach centers on wealth management strategies with a focus on income planning throughout retirement. As a Financial Advisor, Ryan is an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR), life and health insurance licensed and a Certified Tax Preparer. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, with an Accounting and Finance major.

Ryan is a lifelong Minnesotan originally from Woodbury and currently residing in Bloomington with his wife, Riamae, and their rescue Terrier Beagle mix, Douglas. He and his family are avid travelers in their free time. Ryan enjoys playing golf and poker, and describes himself as a major foodie enjoying new restaurants around the cities whenever possible. He is a sports fan especially when the Vikings and Timberwolves are playing.