Roth conversions are the transfer of assets that occurs when you move money from a traditional retirement account into a Roth account. There are a few different types of Roth conversion:
- Transfer money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
- Roll over a 401(k) to a Roth IRA.
- Move money from a traditional 401(k) account to a an IRA or Roth 401(k) account.
Either way, converting your investments to a Roth allows your earnings to grow and eventually be distributed tax-free, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars (or more) in the long run.
Whether you realize it or not, your IRA or 401k is a Tax Time Bomb!
The IRS is patiently waiting for you to start taking money from your retirement account, and when you do, the Tax Time Bomb explodes! It WILL happen, it's just a matter of when.
The current balance and ALL of the growth will eventually be taxed!
Roth conversion shifts your retirement account from tax deferred (a Tax Time Bomb) to
Tax Free Growth and Income - FOREVER!
There’s no requirement to convert the entire balance of a traditional retirement account to a Roth account all at once—you can do partial conversions whenever you want. It’s smart to spread multiple conversions of a large balance across multiple years to minimize the impact on your taxes and other benefits.
A Roth IRA can be a great place to relocate your retirement savings. Unlike a traditional IRA, you won't have to pay income tax on the money you withdraw or be required to take a minimum amount (RMD) from your account each year after you reach a certain age.
Are you prepared for tax increases as you age?
- Tax increases are imminent with tax rates set to increase in 2026.
The Federal Income Tax is set to increase in 2026. With tax rates going up, now is the time to take steps to reduce your total lifetime tax liability.
- Eliminate the IRS from your IRA.
RMD distributions will likely trigger a higher tax rate, increased Medicare premiums and more taxes on your social security benefits.
- Who do you love more - your family or the IRS?
When one spouse passes, the tax implications are significant. Protect your legacy for your heirs. The Roth conversion will ensure that more of your assets will go to your heirs, and
not the U.S. Treasury.
Effects of NOT doing a Roth conversion
- By not converting, you are subject to a lifetime of higher Medicare surcharges later.
- By not converting to avoid a higher current year tax on soc sec benefits, you face higher total taxes over your lifetime.
- By not converting and waiting, this allows IRA’s to grow, meaning even larger RMD's and even higher tax amounts for you and then your heirs! Why let the U.S. Treasury be your largest beneficiary?