Retirelens Calculator

Should I convert my IRA to Roth?

See whether converting Traditional IRA funds to Roth today beats waiting. Compare after-tax wealth, tax costs, and the break-even future tax rate.

Convert now looks better

Future value if you convert

$204K

vs $109,084 if you don't convert. Difference: $94,624 ($60,735 in today's dollars).

Tax due now

$13,500

Bracket room

$29,075

Conversion details

IRA balance

After-tax basis

Convert amount

Years to withdrawal

Tax payment source

Current federal tax %

Future federal tax %

Current state tax %

Future state tax %

Taxable income now

Target bracket cap

Annual return6%

Inflation rate3%

Convert vs. don't convert over time

Convert
No Convert

What this means

Converting $50,000 now at a 27% combined rate costs $13,500 in tax today. If future combined rates reach 30%, converting now comes out ahead by $94,624.

The bracket room shows how much more income you could add before hitting your target cap. Spreading conversions over low-income years is often the optimal strategy.

Plan more than your portfolio

Your finances are one lens. A confident retirement also needs clarity on health, purpose, relationships, and legacy — the same pillars we use across Retirelens.

Financial Readiness

Know where you stand and what to do next with your money.

74% of planners reported satisfaction with retirement income vs. 43% of non-planners (Goldman Sachs)

Health & Wellness

Secure solid coverage, stay ahead with preventive care and healthy habits a staple.

68% of adults ages 50–64 said they were concerned that federal policy changes could affect their health insurance coverage. (University of Michigan)

Lifestyle & Purpose

Shape days you look forward to, with steps to get there.

Research shows that a stronger sense of purpose is associated with lower mortality risk among adults over age 50. (American Medical Association)

Social Connections

Strengthen relationships and build a support circle.

A longitudinal study of adults aged 65+ found that older adults with more diverse social networks had a lower risk of death and better cognitive and physical function than those with less diverse networks. (Chico Health Aging Project)

Legacy Planning

Organize your assets and document so your family isn't left guessing.

Without a proper estate plan, more than half of families experience disputes or have assets end up under court control. (LegalShield)

How this calculator works

The "convert" path moves the target amount to a Roth account (net of tax if paying from conversion, or the full amount if paying from outside funds). The remaining pre-tax IRA and the Roth account both grow at the selected annual return.

The "no convert" path keeps the full amount in a Traditional IRA growing at the same rate. At withdrawal, the future tax rate is applied. The after-tax values at the end of the horizon are compared.

Help

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to common questions about this calculator.