Roth IRA Calculator

Estimate your Roth IRA savings and compare with a regular taxable account.

This calculator assumes annual contributions at year-end and taxes are paid yearly on gains in the taxable account. Actual results may vary.

Parameter Explanations

Initial Investment: The amount of money you invest at the start (the age you begin investing).

Annual Contribution: The amount you add to your account every year until retirement. This is the money you save or invest each year, in addition to your initial investment. For Roth IRAs, the IRS sets annual contribution limits, which may change over time and can depend on your income and tax filing status. Be sure to check the latest IRS rules to ensure your planned contributions are within the allowed limits.

Annual Return Rate: The expected average yearly growth rate of your investments, after fees, expressed as a percentage.

Current Age: Your age when you start investing.

Retirement Age: The age at which you plan to retire and stop making annual contributions.

Tax Rate on Gains: The percentage of investment gains paid as tax each year in a regular taxable account. Roth IRA gains are tax-free if qualified.

  • Roth IRA: A retirement account where contributions are made with after-tax dollars and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
  • Taxable Account: A regular investment account where you pay taxes on investment gains each year.
  • All calculations assume contributions are made at the end of each year and taxes on gains are paid annually for the taxable account.
  • Actual investment returns may vary and are not guaranteed.

Roth IRA Distribution Details

Qualified Distributions: Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free and penalty-free if you are at least age 59½ and your account has been open for at least 5 years.

Non-Qualified Distributions: If you withdraw earnings before age 59½ or before the account is 5 years old, you may owe income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty on the earnings portion.

Contributions vs. Earnings: You can always withdraw your original contributions (but not earnings) from a Roth IRA at any time, tax- and penalty-free.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Roth IRAs are not subject to RMDs during the account owner's lifetime.

For more details and the latest rules, consult the IRS Roth IRA page.

Roth IRA Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Tax-free growth and qualified withdrawals.
  • No required minimum distributions (RMDs) during your lifetime.
  • Contributions (but not earnings) can be withdrawn at any time, tax- and penalty-free.
  • Ideal for those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
  • Can be used as an estate planning tool, as heirs can inherit Roth IRAs tax-free (with some conditions).

Cons

  • Contributions are not tax-deductible.
  • Annual contribution limits are relatively low and may be further limited by income.
  • High earners may not be eligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA.
  • Qualified withdrawals require the account to be open for at least 5 years and the account holder to be at least 59½.
  • Potential for legislative changes affecting future tax treatment.