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What to Know About Roth IRA Conversions

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Wouldn’t it be nice to pay fewer income taxes in retirement? A tax-advantaged strategy called a Roth IRA conversion may lower your taxable income later in retirement. A Roth IRA conversion involves repositioning a traditional IRA or qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan assets into a Roth IRA. There are a few reasons why investors may pursue a Roth IRA conversion strategy:

  • A Roth provides the flexibility to withdraw money when needed.
  • There is no Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).
  • A Roth IRA conversion as part of estate planning may help lessen the impact of estate taxes on an estate.

Before initiating a Roth IRA conversation strategy, here are things to consider before making your decision:

#1 - You will have to pay taxes

Since traditional IRAs and other qualified retirement plans are tax-deferred, upon converting assets into a Roth IRA, the account owner must pay income tax on the amount they convert. Also, the taxes are due upfront when the conversion occurs.

#2 - Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) may increase

A Roth IRA conversion will increase your income in the year that the conversion happens. Increasing your AGI may also impact your income tax as you move into another income tax bracket.

If you are retired, be mindful that Medicare Part B uses your two previous years’ income to calculate your monthly premium, and the conversion may increase your Part B payment for at least two years.

#3 - You may lose eligibility for specific tax write-offs

The child tax credit and student loan interest deduction are based on personal income, and initiating a Roth IRA conversion may mean you lose these deductions if your AGI increases.

#4 - You may pay a penalty if you need the money within five years

Roth IRAs typically offer penalty and tax-free withdrawals anytime on contributions. Still, investors must wait five years to withdraw the funds without a 10% penalty when using conversion monies, regardless of age. If you anticipate needing money from your Roth IRA before the five-year rule sunsets, there may be a more appropriate strategy for you.

#5 - Your qualified retirement plan may not allow Roth IRA conversions

If you have your retirement savings inside your employer’s retirement savings plan, check the plan’s documents to see if a Roth IRA conversion is allowed. If not allowed and you initiate the conversion, the conversion may not occur, or a penalty will be applied when the conversion happens. Consult your employee handbook, human resources professional, or your employer-sponsored retirement plan’s custodian for answers about your situation.

It’s important for you to meet with your financial and tax professionals so you can determine how a Roth IRA conversion may impact your taxes at tax time. While a Roth IRA conversion may interest you, be sure you understand the pros and cons of initiating this strategy.

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© 2024 Trajan® Wealth LLC. Nothing in this blog is intended as investment advice, nor is it an offer to buy or sell any security. Please consult your financial advisor for questions about your personal financial situation. All investments involve risk, including the potential for loss. Trajan Wealth clients and employees may have a position in any of the securities mentioned. Portfolio holdings and other data are subject to change at any time and without notice. Additionally, the above links provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Trajan Wealth, L.L.C., of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Trajan Wealth, L.L.C., bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. These materials are for informational and educational purposes and are not designed, nor intended, to apply to any person’s individual circumstances. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, tax and financial condition, or particular needs of any specific person. Please consult with your legal and/or tax advisor before making any tax-related decisions.

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