Roth vs Traditional 401(k) & IRA Calculator
Should you pay tax now (Roth) or later (traditional)? Compare what each leaves you after tax in retirement, using your 2026 tax bracket and the rate you expect when you withdraw.
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2026 limit: $7,500 (IRA)
Federal + state on withdrawals
Advanced optionsTax year, deductions and other settings (sensible defaults already applied)
Roth or traditional?
Traditional leaves you $62,851 more
After tax at retirement: Roth $490,240 · Traditional $553,091 · tax rate now 22%
Full breakdownTables, chart and tax-saving tips
Both columns use the same $7,500 a year before tax. Traditional: all of it goes in, grows for 30 years at 6%, and withdrawals are taxed at 12%. Roth: you pay tax now at 22% (your 22% federal bracket), so $5,850 goes in, and withdrawals are tax-free.
The rule of thumb: whichever has the lower tax rate, now or later, wins. If the rates are equal, the result is the same.
Roth IRA contributions phase out between $153,000 and $168,000 of modified AGI for your filing status in 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Roth or traditional better?
It depends on your tax rate now compared with your rate in retirement. If you expect a lower rate later, traditional usually wins; if you expect a higher rate later, Roth usually wins. With equal rates they come out the same.
What are the 2026 contribution limits?
$24,500 for a 401(k), plus an $8,000 catch-up from age 50 ($11,250 at ages 60 to 63). $7,500 for an IRA, plus a $1,100 catch-up from age 50.
Can anyone contribute to a Roth IRA?
No. In 2026 Roth IRA contributions phase out between $153,000 and $168,000 of modified AGI for single filers and heads of household, and between $242,000 and $252,000 for married couples filing jointly. Roth 401(k) contributions have no income limit.
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