What is a Roth IRA Conversion?
A Roth IRA conversion is generally the process of converting a 401(k) plan or Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Retirement investors employ this tactic because they want to spend as little as they have to on taxes, however their income exceeds that of the Roth IRA income limits.
Below are a few important considerations to make if you decide to convert your Traditional IRA to a self-directed Roth IRA.
- Can you pay income taxes on the money you convert from a Traditional IRA?
- Based on your income tax bracket, does it make sense to pay the entire tax due this year? If the rate goes up, you should consider a Roth IRA conversion. If you think it will go down, they you should reconsider.
- Do you anticipate withdrawing Roth IRA funds for personal expenses within five years of conversion? If so, you may face tax and penalties if you make a withdrawal if the Roth IRA has not been open for five years or more.
Advantages
The main advantage of the Roth IRA over a Traditional IRA is that, if you qualify to make contributions, all distributions from the IRA are tax-free. Furthermore, unlike traditional IRAs, you may contribute to a Roth IRA for as long as you continue to earn an income. However, with a traditional IRA , you can’t make any contributions after you reach age 73. As a result, a Roth IRA conversion is one way to fund the account.
Read More: What Are Alternative Assets?
Self Directed Traditional IRA vs Self-Directed Roth IRA
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Self-Directed Traditional IRA
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Self-Directed Roth IRA |
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In this case, contributions are not tax deductible – in other words, contributions to a Roth IRA are from tax dollars | |
| Distributions may be taken by age 59 1/2 and are mandatory by age 73 |
Unlike traditional IRA, there’s no Mandatory Distribution Age. Therefore, there’s no requirement to take distributions |
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Taxes are paid on the amount of distributions (10% excise tax may apply if you withdraw prior to age 59 1/2) |
Conversely, there are no taxes on distributions if you follow rules and regulations |
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Available to everyone; no income restrictions |
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| Use funds to purchase a variety of investments (stocks, real estate, precious metals, notes, etc.) |
Again, use funds to purchase a variety of investments (stocks, real estate, precious metals, notes, etc.) |
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IRA investments grow tax-free until distribution (tax deferral) |
Earnings and principal are 100% tax free if you follow rules and regulations – No tax on distributions – maximum tax-deferral |
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Income/gains from IRA investments are tax-free |
Again, income/gains from IRA investments are tax-free |
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If you purchase real estate property and take possession of the property after 59 1/2, you’re subject to tax |
Whereas, if you purchase a domestic or foreign real estate property, then taking possession after 59 1/2 is tax-free |
Learn More:
The Self-Directed Roth IRA Secret
How to Complete a Self-Directed IRA Rollover?
How to Transfer a Roth IRA to a Self-Directed IRA LLC?
Get Started
Surprisingly, a Roth IRA conversion is easy to do. Whenever you’re ready, an IRA expert from the IRA Financial Group can help you fund your Self-Directed Roth IRA LLC with traditional IRA or 401(k) funds. Convert now to experience the Roth IRA advantage!
