retirement
Why a Roth IRA conversion makes tax sense
Dear Dr. Don,
I exceed the income limits to open a Roth individual retirement account, but I have been considering opening a nondeductible IRA and then rolling it over to a Roth IRA. Can this rollover be done only once, or would I be able to deposit money into a nondeductible IRA and then roll it over into the Roth IRA each year, provided there are no changes in the tax law?
-- Jerry Jump-start
Dear Jerry,
You can do this every year, though it's not a rollover, it's a Roth IRA conversion. To my mind, the requirement that taxpayers have to take this extra step is one of the oddest provisions in the tax code. But then again, I'm not an accountant. I'm sure an accountant could point out stranger provisions in the tax code.
Taxpayers with the taxable compensation to do so can make nondeductible contributions into a traditional IRA up to their contribution limits, regardless of their income levels. Taxpayers are limited by adjusted gross income levels as to whether or not they can contribute directly into a Roth IRA, but there are no income limitations in doing a conversion from a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.
Retirement investors typically have more control over investment choices and account expenses with a Roth IRA than they do with their company-sponsored retirement plan. A Roth IRA also can provide a measure of tax diversification if the rest of the taxpayer's retirement money is invested in tax-deferred accounts. That's because the Roth investor is front-loading the tax payment, which allows him to take qualified distributions tax-free in retirement.
Once you're past the company match in your firm's 401(k) or 403(b) plan, it's time to at least consider your options in investing nondeductible contributions in a traditional IRA with the thought of converting them to a Roth IRA. Working with a financial planner or tax professional can help you decide if this is the right move for you.
Get more news, money-saving tips and expert advice by signing up for a free Bankrate newsletter.
Ask the adviser
To ask a question of Dr. Don, go to the "Ask the Experts" page and select one of these topics: "Financing a home," "Saving & Investing" or "Money." Read more Dr. Don columns for additional personal finance advice.
Bankrate's content, including the guidance of its advice-and-expert columns and this website, is intended only to assist you with financial decisions. The content is broad in scope and does not consider your personal financial situation. Bankrate recommends that you seek the advice of advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy. Please remember that your use of this website is governed by Bankrate's Terms of Use.