Roth vs Traditional IRA for High Income
High earners comparing Roth and Traditional IRA — including the Backdoor Roth route when direct contributions phase out.
Roth vs Traditional comparisons are done in your browser; no account or contribution details are transmitted.Try: Current age=30, Retirement age=65, Annual contribution=7000, Current tax bracket=35, Expected retirement bracket=32, Expected annual return=7 → $658,008, $628,978, $29,030
How to use
Direct Roth IRA contributions phase out at higher incomes for 2026 (about $165,000 single / $246,000 married). Above that, a Backdoor Roth — a non-deductible Traditional contribution converted to Roth — is the common workaround. This calculator still shows the after-tax math; just note the contribution limits.
FAQ
Why does Traditional often look better for high earners?
A high current bracket makes the upfront deduction valuable, and if your retirement bracket is similar or lower, Traditional keeps more after tax.
What is a Backdoor Roth?
You contribute to a Traditional IRA without a deduction, then convert it to a Roth. It is allowed regardless of income, but watch the pro-rata rule if you hold pre-tax IRA money elsewhere.