Roth conversion guides

Start here if you're asking whether to move money from a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a Roth. Each guide answers one question, uses 2026 numbers, and lists its sources.

• GuideHow do you convert a 401(k) to a Roth IRA?You can roll a 401(k) straight into a Roth IRA, but the pre-tax part is taxed as 2026 income. See four ways to do it, the 20% withholding trap and an example.Updated November 9, 2026
• ExplainerHow does a Roth conversion affect Medicare IRMAA?A Roth conversion raises the income Medicare checks two years later, so a 2026 conversion can raise 2028 Part B and D premiums. See 2026 tiers and an example.Updated November 9, 2026
• ExplainerHow does a Roth conversion affect Social Security?A Roth conversion won't cut your Social Security check, but it can make up to 85% of benefits taxable. See the IRS formula, the tax torpedo and a 2026 example.Updated November 9, 2026
• ExplainerHow does a Roth conversion ladder work?A Roth conversion ladder: convert some IRA money each year, then withdraw each amount penalty-free 5 years later. It mainly helps people retiring before 59½.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideHow much should I convert to a Roth each year?Most retirees convert just enough to fill their tax bracket, such as up to $100,800 of taxable income for couples in 2026, then check the Medicare IRMAA line.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideHow much tax will I pay on a Roth conversion?A Roth conversion is taxed as ordinary income at your 2026 rate, 10% to 37%. It can also make Social Security taxable, so your real rate can run higher.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideHow to lower the tax on your RMDs: convert before they startYou can't avoid tax on RMDs, which start at 73 or 75, but you can shrink it. Convert to a Roth before they start, give via QCDs and more. 2026 example.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideIs Social Security taxable?Up to 85% of your Social Security can be federally taxable. See the $25,000 and $32,000 income lines, how to figure yours, and what the 2025 law changed.Updated November 9, 2026
• ComparisonQCD rules for 2026: the $111,000 limit, RMDs and Roth conversionsFrom 70½, a QCD lets you give up to $111,000 in 2026 from your IRA to charity tax-free. It counts toward your RMD. The rules, how to report it, and Roth tips.Updated November 9, 2026
• ComparisonShould I convert my IRA to a Roth? Pros, cons and who it helpsConverting your IRA to a Roth usually pays off only if your tax rate now is lower than the rate you, a surviving spouse or heirs pay later. 2026 examples.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideShould you do a Roth conversion to leave money to your kids?Most adult children must empty an inherited IRA within 10 years. Converting can help if your tax rate is lower than theirs. Rules, a 2026 example, downsides.Updated November 9, 2026
• ExplainerThe Roth IRA 5-year rules: what retirees need to know about conversionsThe Roth IRA 5-year rule has two clocks. Over 59½, only the account clock matters, for earnings. Under 59½, each conversion has its own clock for a 10% penalty.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideWhat are the 2027 tax brackets, and what do they mean for retirees?For 2027, the 12% bracket ends at $104,050 joint and $52,025 single, and the standard deduction is $33,200 joint. See 2026 vs 2027 side by side.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideWhat are the inherited IRA rules for beneficiaries?Most non-spouse heirs must empty an inherited IRA by the end of year 10. If the owner had started RMDs, you also take one each year. Spouses have more options.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideWhat are the most common Roth conversion mistakes?The costliest Roth conversion mistakes: jumping a bracket or Medicare tier, paying tax from the IRA, the pro-rata rule and converting an RMD. How to avoid each.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideWhat are the Roth conversion rules for 2026?2026 Roth conversion rules: no income or dollar limit, done by Dec 31, taxed as income, no undo. RMDs come out first. The pro-rata rule sets the taxable part.Updated November 9, 2026
• ExplainerWhat are the Roth IRA withdrawal rules?Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free at 59½ once your first Roth is 5 years old. Before that, money comes out in a set order and only earnings can be taxed.Updated November 9, 2026
• ExplainerWhat is a Roth conversion, and how does it work?A Roth conversion moves pre-tax IRA or 401(k) money into a Roth IRA. You pay income tax now. Later it can grow and come out tax-free. 2026 rules and an example.Updated November 9, 2026
• GuideWhat is the Roth conversion deadline for 2026?A 2026 Roth conversion must be finished by December 31, 2026. There is no April extension and it can't be undone. Here is what to do before then.Updated November 9, 2026