Ready to learn more?

Explore More

Home » Insights » Retirement » Is a Roth IRA Conversion Right for You? Key Factors to Consider
R. Andrew Nurse, MBA, CFP®, CPFA®
Wealth Advisor
When considering a Roth IRA conversion, rules and timing are important to understand for minimizing taxes.
If you are considering converting funds from a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, it may be a smart move for minimizing taxes in retirement. However, the advantages may largely depend on your individual financial situation such as your current tax bracket or additional investment accounts.
It’s crucial to understand all the conversion rules and tax implications as well as the benefits involved to determine whether it’s the right move for you. Timing, of conversion and projected distributions, are also factors for consideration.
Converting to a Roth IRA means you’ll pay taxes on the converted amount now, but future withdrawals will be tax-free. The conversion can be advantageous if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement and want to minimize taxable income. Additionally, if you worry that tax rates will be higher in the future, you could lock in the current rate on the conversion. If you have other sources of income in retirement, like a pension or Social Security, drawing down from the Roth IRA could occur later than you think it will.
One strategy is to gradually transfer traditional IRA or 401(k) plan funds to a Roth IRA over several years. This allows you to access your retirement money before age 59 ½ and without the 10% early withdrawal penalty — if you adhere to the “five-year rule” which says you have to wait five years to distribute converted funds.
Roth IRAs are not subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) at age 73, unlike with traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans. Failing to meet an RMD deadline in a given year can result in a 25% penalty on the shortfall. The year you turn age 73, the deadline for your required minimum distribution (RMD) from tax-deferred retirement accounts will be April 1st of the following year.
Roth IRAs can be beneficial for your estate plan because they allow your heirs to inherit the accounts tax-free, potentially reducing their tax burden. But note that there are hidden hazards to inheriting an IRA that may have a negative impact on beneficiaries, including a 10-year limit for distributions, potential loss of disability benefits, and access to funds by those you didn’t intend. Consulting with your wealth advisor can help ensure you avoid these pitfalls.
You could find yourself in a higher tax bracket after conversion because the converted funds become taxable income.
For example, a single taxpayer with taxable income (after deductions) of $120,000, might pay an effective tax rate of 22% but additional taxable income of $536,500 or more would boost that rate to 37%.
However, the long-term benefits of tax-free withdrawals may outweigh the immediate tax costs of conversion. Additionally, you may want to confirm whether the state where you reside has income tax and at what rate.
To avoid a 10% penalty for withdrawals of converted funds, you’ll need to wait five years. Therefore, the timing of conversion in relation to your retirement income needs is important. The good news is that during those five years, the converted funds will continue to grow tax-free if left untouched. There is a penalty for withdrawing funds before you reach age 59 ½ which applies only to the earnings.
If your income exceeds the limits for making contributions to a Roth IRA, you can still perform a Roth conversion by using a “backdoor” strategy. The modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) limit for 2025 for single taxpayers is $165,000 and for joint filers it is $246,000. Generally, the backdoor strategy allows you to contribute money to a traditional 401(k) or IRA, take a tax deduction at that time, then convert the funds to a Roth IRA within 60 days and pay income taxes on the converted amount.
You may want to check the details of how your traditional 401(k) plan is structured by your employer to see if it allows in-plan Roth conversions. While this option can make it easier to convert the funds, the same tax implications will apply.
The tax implications of a Roth IRA conversion can be significant if proper planning isn’t done. In addition, it’s important to consider how it might affect your entire financial situation. Simply wanting to do a conversion for tax-free distributions in retirement shouldn’t be the only driving factor in the decision. Timing and additional income resources may trigger the need for other strategies.
Consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional can help you navigate these complexities and determine the best strategy for your situation.
If you’re not a Mercer Advisors client and have specific concerns or questions about how a Roth conversion might impact your taxes, let’s talk.
Mercer Advisors Inc. is a parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. and is not involved with investment services. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (“Mercer Advisors”) is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements.
All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Some of the research and ratings shown in this presentation come from third parties that are not affiliated with Mercer Advisors. The information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed or warranted by Mercer Advisors. Content, research, tools and stock or option symbols are for educational and illustrative purposes only and do not imply a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell a particular security or to engage in any particular investment strategy. For financial planning advice specific to your circumstances, talk to a qualified professional at Mercer Advisors.
Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Therefore, no current or prospective client should assume that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy or product made reference to directly or indirectly, will be profitable or equal to past performance levels. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Changes in investment strategies, contributions or withdrawals may materially alter the performance and results of your portfolio. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will either be suitable or profitable for a client’s investment portfolio. Historical performance results for investment indexes and/or categories, generally do not reflect the deduction of transaction and/or custodial charges or the deduction of an investment-management fee, the incurrence of which would have the effect of decreasing historical performance results. Economic factors, market conditions, and investment strategies will affect the performance of any portfolio and there are no assurances that it will match or outperform any particular benchmark.
This document may contain forward-looking statements including statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations with respect to market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. While due care has been used in the preparation of forecast information, actual results may vary in a materially positive or negative manner. Forecasts and hypothetical examples are subject to uncertainty and contingencies outside Mercer Advisors’ control.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.