Mercer Advisors
Sharing Knowledge

Question

Can you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?

Answer

Yes, but you’ll owe taxes on the converted amount. Many investors use this strategy to secure future tax-free withdrawals. This conversion can be done on a year-by-year basis through the “backdoor” strategy or with a larger lump sum, strategically adding to taxable income in the year of conversion, which can be part of a long-term tax planning strategy.

Related FAQs

Can you pay tuition from a Traditional or Roth IRA?

How does depositing into a Traditional IRA work vs. a Roth IRA?

How to contribute to a Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA?
Retirement Young Professionals Retirement Planning Living in Retirement Tax Basics Tax Tips & Tricks Early Retirement FAQs
Last Updated May 20, 2026
Previous Next

Further Learning

Estate Planning Article

Illinois Estate Tax: What High-Net-Worth Families Need To Know

Illinois’ $4 million estate tax exemption, far below the $15 million federal threshold, can expose high-net-worth families to unexpected state tax bills without proactive planning.

man meeting with a financial advisor in office, shaking hands
What Clients Ask Article

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Financial Advisor

Discover the essential questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor — covering fiduciary duty, compensation models, and team approach.

Investment Management Article

Financial Planning Is a Prerequisite to Successful Investing

At Mercer Advisors, financial planning often serves as the starting point for investing decisions. It is the foundation of our evidence-based investing principles.

Estate Planning Guide

The Family Guide to Estate Planning: Helping To Protect What You’ve Built Across Generations

Explore wills, trusts, beneficiary traps, POAs, estate tax changes, inherited IRAs, gifting, and family conversations in one comprehensive planning guide.

Back to Sharing Knowledge

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

Explore Our Solutions

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Planning & Preparation
Insurance Solutions
Investment Management
Trustee Services

Want to learn more about Mercer Advisors?

Let’s Talk