Home/The Index/Roth Conversions
The Index · Topic 05

Roth Conversions

Roth conversion math — when it actually pays, how it interacts with IRMAA and tax brackets, 5-year rules, and the window between retirement and RMDs that matters most.

9 articlesCurrent SSA · IRS · CMS dataUpdated 2026
Topic 05 · The Index

All Roth Conversions articles.

9 published
Roth Conversions7 min

The $70,500 Annual Roth Conversion Most High Earners Miss

The mega backdoor Roth allows eligible high earners to convert up to $70,500 annually into tax-free retirement accounts, but only 43% of 401(k) plans offer the required features to make this powerful strategy work.

Roth Conversions7 min

$500,000 Pretax IRA Converts to $385,000 After-Tax Roth by Age 70

Converting $500K from pretax IRA to Roth during ages 60-70 costs about $115K in taxes but can save $100K+ in lifetime taxes by avoiding the RMD spiral that traps retirees in higher brackets.

Roth Conversions2 min

Save $200,000 by Converting Your IRA in Florida vs California

Moving from California to Florida before converting a $2M traditional IRA could save over $200,000 in state taxes. Here's what you need to know about strategic state residency planning for major Roth conversions.

Roth Conversions7 min

A $150,000 Roth Conversion at 63 Costs $5,356/Year Extra in Medicare at 65

A $150,000 Roth conversion at age 63 can trigger Medicare's IRMAA lookback, adding $5,000+ annually to premiums starting at 65. Strategic timing and bracket-aware conversions can save thousands in hidden costs.

Roth Conversions7 min

Convert $100,000 to Roth at 59? You Can't Touch It Tax-Free Until Age 64

Converting $100,000 to a Roth IRA at age 59 means you can't access those funds penalty-free until age 64 due to the 5-year conversion rule. This hidden timing trap affects thousands of pre-retirees who misunderstand Roth conversion withdrawal rules.

Roth Conversions2 min

Converting $100K to Roth Today Costs $35K+ in Taxes

High earners considering Roth conversions should think twice if they expect lower retirement income, as converting $100K today could trigger $35K+ in taxes while future withdrawals might face just 12% rates.

Roth Conversions2 min

Converting $50,000 Annually for 10 Years Could Save $187,000 in Lifetime Taxes

Converting $50,000 annually to a Roth IRA during your 60s could save $187,000 in lifetime taxes by avoiding higher brackets when RMDs begin at age 75.

Roth Conversions3 min

Backdoor Roth IRA and Roth Conversions Explained

Learn how high-income earners can use backdoor Roth IRAs and Roth conversions to build tax-free retirement income. Key rules, timing tips, and strategies.

Bookmark this

The Roth Conversions numbers for 2026.

The thresholds that actually move this part of your plan, kept current and sourced.

See the full reference →
Conversion window (typical)
Age 63–73
5-year rule (per conversion)
5 yrs
IRMAA tier 1 (MFJ)
$218,000
No income limit
Yes
FAQ

Frequently asked.

When you’re ready

Have a question about roth conversions? Ask a real advisor.

No pitch, no pressure. A free conversation with a fiduciary who has read the same research you have.

Book a free conversation