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Backdoor Roth question

Posted on 12/24/19 at 5:35 pm
Posted by GeauxTigers777
Member since Oct 2007
1573 posts
Posted on 12/24/19 at 5:35 pm
Can you explain the rationale for a high income earner to do this? Aren't you just locking in your money at a higher tax rate? Wouldn't it be unlikely your income at retirement would reach the same high tax rate?
Posted by OleWarSkuleAlum
Huntsville, AL
Member since Dec 2013
10293 posts
Posted on 12/24/19 at 5:53 pm to
You are neglecting to factor in RMDs.
Posted by Puffoluffagus
Savannah, GA
Member since Feb 2009
6108 posts
Posted on 12/24/19 at 6:42 pm to
quote:

Can you explain the rationale for a high income earner to do this? Aren't you just locking in your money at a higher tax rate? Wouldn't it be unlikely your income at retirement would reach the same high tax rate?


Most high income earners that do the backdoor Roth are phased out of the traditional IRA deductions anyway.
So whats the point of contributing post tax dollars to get taxed again on the withdrawal and growth? At least this way you're only taxed on the initial contribution.
Posted by Shepherd88
Member since Dec 2013
4592 posts
Posted on 12/24/19 at 7:36 pm to
We are historically at one of the lowest tax brackets currently.

We got major financial issues as a nation and if I was a bettin man, Congress will raise taxes to continue their spending problem in the future to come. Therefore, I’d much rather pay those taxes today in a historically low bracket.
Posted by Janky
Team Primo
Member since Jun 2011
35957 posts
Posted on 12/24/19 at 8:53 pm to
Pay taxes on $25k today to grow tax deferred and pull out $100k tax free later.
Posted by molsusports
Member since Jul 2004
36148 posts
Posted on 12/24/19 at 10:16 pm to
1) If you are a high income earner you won't get a deduction for your traditional IRA contributions
2) Since you are already paying taxes on your earned income and you are not eligible for the deduction you might as well convert some of that into a tax advantaged retirement investment.

There is no downside unless you somehow don't have the cash to save. The money is protected against taxes at retirement anyway so worrying about tax rates at different life stages is a non-sequitor.
Posted by jrobic4
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2011
7176 posts
Posted on 12/30/19 at 10:56 pm to
Money hads already been taxed, so only gains between contribution and conversion are taxable... conversion happens within a month or two usually, so gains (if there are any) are minimal
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