Backdoor Roth IRA Calculator

Too much income for a direct Roth IRA? See the tax cost and long-term advantage of a backdoor conversion.

Annual IRA contribution ($)Max is $7,000 in 2024 ($8,000 if 50+) Total traditional IRA balance ($)All traditional IRA balances combined — used for pro-rata rule (0 if none)

Income tax rate (%)Your current marginal bracket

Years until you withdrawHow long the Roth will grow

Expected annual return (%)

Taxable amount on conversion
Tax owed now
Tax-free balance at withdrawal
Estimated taxes avoided at withdrawal

Tax treatment of IRA conversions depends on your full IRA balance, filing status, and other income. This is a simplified estimate. Consult a tax advisor before converting.

What is a backdoor Roth IRA?

If your income is too high for a direct Roth IRA contribution, you can contribute to a non-deductible traditional IRA and then convert it to a Roth. You pay tax on any pre-tax money in the conversion, but after that, all growth is tax-free forever.

The pro-rata rule

If you have other traditional IRA money, the IRS applies the pro-rata rule — you can't just convert the after-tax portion. Your taxable amount is proportional to all your IRA balances. If your only IRA is the new non-deductible contribution, the conversion is nearly tax-free.

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