Whether you’ve already done filing your taxes or have yet to start, the impending deadline has reminded you how much you despise doing it every year. To recover back money that was rightfully yours, to begin with, you have to endure frustrating questions, tedious math, and a great deal of effort, and that’s in the best-case scenario.
The decision you make here could have a significant financial impact.
It will be good to think you can finally leave this behind you when you retire. Most people, though, are not like that. Investing extensively in Roth accounts now is the best way to reduce your tax liability in retirement. Listed below are the reasons why.
How Roth IRAs can reduce your tax liability
The money you deposit into a Roth IRA or a Roth 401(k), for example, is money that you’ve already paid taxes on. Hence, if you earn $60,000 in 2024 and contribute $5,000 to a Roth IRA, you will still be subject to income tax on the whole $60,000 when you submit your taxes that year.
This is not the same as tax-deferred funds such as 401(k)s and regular IRAs. You can save on taxes right away with these accounts. For example, in 2024, if your taxable income was $60,000 but you contributed $5,000 to a traditional IRA, your taxable income would be $55,000.
Nevertheless, the situation flips when you attempt a withdrawal later on. Since you already received your tax advantage, you will be responsible for paying taxes on any contributions or earnings you take from tax-deferred accounts. Nevertheless, withdrawals from a Roth IRA are not deductible and will increase your taxable income. The government doesn’t touch the money in these accounts once you’ve paid taxes on your contributions.
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are not subject to federal income tax or early withdrawal penalties so long as the account holder is 59 1/2 or older and has held the account for at least five years. While contributions can be withdrawn before that time without penalty, withdrawals of earnings before those conditions are met could result in a fine.
Investing in a Roth IRA: Is it a suitable fit for you?
Roth accounts may be a smart option if you like paying fewer taxes during retirement. Only employers can provide Roth 401(k) plans, but just like standard 401(k)s, they can come with matching contributions (k). But, employer contributions may be tax-deferred rather than Roth.
A Roth IRA is an alternative to a Roth 401(k) if your employer doesn’t offer one. In 2024, you can save up to $7,000 if you’re 50 or older or $6,500 under that age. Although this is less than the maximum 401(k) contribution of $22,500 (or $30,000 for those 50 and over), it should be plenty for most people. In addition, IRAs allow you greater freedom in making investment decisions.
Before putting money in a Roth IRA, make sure you can make contributions. Due to income restrictions, high earners cannot contribute directly to a Roth IRA. Yet, a backdoor Roth IRA provides a way around this restriction. This is done by contributing to a traditional IRA and changing it to a Roth IRA in the same calendar year.
Your retirement taxes might not be eliminated.
Most people will need more money in Roth IRAs to avoid paying taxes when they retire. Many people build up tax-deferred retirement savings over time. A Roth IRA conversion is the only method to convert these funds. Some people might be put off because their tax bill will increase in the year they make the change.
Even if you have a combination of tax-deferred and Roth funds when you retire, you will still pay fewer taxes than if you had saved only in tax-deferred accounts. You shouldn’t have too many issues if you save enough for retirement and pay your taxes. Consider how much of your retirement income will be taxable and how much you want to spend each year. Calculate your retirement savings needs based on the data provided here.