Compare Roth vs Traditional IRA using 2024 federal tax brackets. Projects after-tax retirement wealth, calculates RMD impact, identifies break-even tax rate, and shows qualitative factors that tilt the decision. Client-side. Zero PII.
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Roth vs TraditionalRMD ImpactZero PIIClient-Side
Scope & reliance —🔒 All inputs are processed locally in your browser. No data is transmitted. Do not enter real personal data — use synthetic or anonymised inputs only. Embedded rates, thresholds, and regulatory citations are static reference values that may age — verify against current primary sources and your own data before relying on any output for commercial, legal, or compliance decisions. Deterministic logic · no inference · zero PII · CC BY 4.0.
⚠️ Educational only. Tax laws change frequently. This tool uses 2024 US tax brackets and IRS contribution limits as defaults. Consult a CPA or CFP for personalised advice.
👤 Income & Personal Details
Used to determine current marginal tax bracket
Social Security + pension + other income in retirement (before IRA withdrawals)
💰 Contributions & Growth
2024 IRA limit: $7,000 ($8,000 if ≥50). 401(k): $23,000 ($30,500 if ≥50)
Long-run diversified portfolio real return ~5-7% nominal
SECURE 2.0 Act: RMD age raised to 73 (75 from 2033). Roth IRAs have no RMDs.
📊 Key Comparison Metrics
📅 Year-by-Year Growth
Age
Roth Balance ($)
Trad Balance ($)
Roth After-Tax ($)
Trad After-Tax ($)
Advantage
🔍 Qualitative Decision Factors
📚 References
IRS Publication 590-A, "Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)," 2024.
IRS Publication 590-B, "Distributions from Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)," 2024.
SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (H.R. 2954) — RMD age raised to 73; Roth 401(k) RMD elimination.
IRS Rev. Proc. 2023-34 — 2024 tax bracket inflation adjustments.
Kitces, M. "Roth vs Traditional: When Does Roth Win?" Nerd's Eye View, 2023.