Cat-13 · pf-136 · Personal Finance & FIRE

Roth vs Traditional IRA Estimator

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.

v1.0
Roth vs Traditional RMD Impact Zero PII Client-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 · runs offline · CC BY 4.0.

Related journey on ApexLogics, the sister suite for personal and career decisions: Roth Conversion Window Calculator and IRMAA Bracket Calculator.

Also on AINumbers: Roth vs. Traditional Conversion Estimator models converting existing traditional funds to Roth. This page compares contributing to each account type.

⚠️ Educational only. Tax laws change frequently. This tool uses 2024 US federal tax brackets and 2026 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
2026 IRA limit: $7,500 ($8,600 if ≥50). 401(k): $24,500 ($32,500 if ≥50)
Long-run diversified portfolio real return ~5-7% nominal
SECURE 2.0 Act: RMD age raised to 73 (75 from 2033). Roth IRAs have no RMDs.
📊 Key Comparison Metrics
📅 Year-by-Year Growth
Age Roth Balance ($) 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.
  • IRS Notice 2025-67: 2026 cost-of-living adjustments (IRA limit $7,500, +$1,100 age 50 catch-up; 401(k) elective deferral $24,500, +$8,000 age 50 catch-up).