Compare Roth vs Traditional IRA for your tax situation. Calculate which saves more money long-term. Free IRA comparison calculator.
The Roth versus Traditional IRA decision depends on one key question: will you be in a higher or lower tax bracket in retirement? Pay taxes now (Roth) or pay taxes later (Traditional)? For most young earners in the 22% bracket, Roth wins. For high earners in 35%+ brackets, Traditional usually wins. Our calculator runs both scenarios for your specific situation.
Side-by-side comparison: Traditional IRA: Contributions may be tax-deductible, grows tax-deferred, withdrawals taxed as ordinary income, Required Minimum Distributions starting at 73. Roth IRA: Contributions not deductible (post-tax), grows tax-free, qualified withdrawals tax-free, no RMDs during owner's lifetime. 2026 contribution limits: both share $7,000 limit ($8,000 age 50+). Roth income limit: $161,000 single, $240,000 married (phase-out range).
Choose Roth when: You are young and in a low tax bracket now but expect higher income later. Your current bracket is 22% or below. Tax rates are expected to rise in future. You want tax-free inheritance for heirs. Choose Traditional when: You are in 32%+ bracket now and expect lower income in retirement. You need the deduction now to lower current tax bill. State has high income tax now versus low or zero in retirement state. Best hedge: contribute to both when possible.
Quick decision framework: In 10-22% tax bracket: Roth IRA almost always wins. Pay taxes now at low rate, never pay taxes on decades of growth. In 24% bracket: borderline — consider both. In 32%+ bracket: Traditional often wins unless state has high income tax and you plan to retire to no-tax state. Unknown future bracket: split between both for tax diversification. When in doubt: Roth is better for most Americans under 50.
Two separate 5-year rules: Rule 1 (Earnings): Roth must be open 5+ years AND you must be 59½+ to withdraw earnings tax and penalty free. Rule 2 (Conversions): converted amounts must season 5 years before withdrawal without 10% penalty (if under 59½). Contributions (not earnings): can always be withdrawn tax and penalty free at any time — this is a key advantage of Roth as an emergency fund of last resort.
Yes — having a 401k does not prevent Roth IRA contributions as long as your income is below the Roth limit. 2026 Roth IRA income phaseout: Single: $146,000-$161,000 MAGI. Married filing jointly: $230,000-$240,000 MAGI. Above income limits: use backdoor Roth IRA strategy — contribute to non-deductible Traditional IRA then convert. No income limit on conversion itself, only on direct contributions.
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The Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA Calculator — Which is Right for You? uses the same formulas, rates, and reference data that financial planners, professionals, and government sources publish. Results are estimates intended for planning and education — for situations involving large sums or legal consequences, confirm with a qualified professional before acting.
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