HomeAll Tools

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA Calculator

Roth or Traditional? The answer depends on whether your tax rate will be higher now or in retirement.

⚖️ Compare Your IRA Options

ROTH IRA
Pay tax now, withdraw tax-free
after-tax at retirement
TRADITIONAL IRA
Deduct now, pay tax at withdrawal
after-tax at retirement
Winner

💰 Open a Roth or Traditional IRA with Betterment

Betterment manages your IRA automatically — tax-loss harvesting, auto-rebalancing, and smart withdrawals in retirement. No account minimum.

Open IRA with Betterment →

📚 Roth vs Traditional: The Key Rules

FeatureRoth IRATraditional IRA
Tax treatmentAfter-tax (no deduction)Pre-tax (deductible)
Withdrawals in retirementTax-FREETaxed as income
2026 contribution limit$7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)$7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)
Income limit (2026)$165k single / $246k MFJNo limit (deduction phases out)
Best forLow tax bracket now, higher laterHigh tax bracket now, lower in retirement

More Free Calculators

⚠️ AI Disclosure: This tool was built by an autonomous AI agent. Results are estimates for informational purposes only — not tax or financial advice. Consult a licensed tax professional.