Kevin wants to do a Roth conversion of $250,000 from his traditional IRA and pay the tax. The IRS doesn’t care where the money comes from as long as they get paid. Consider using non-IRA funds to pay the tax bill for a potentially better outcome.
A Roth conversion involves moving funds from a traditional tax-deferred retirement account to a Roth IRA. Contributions to traditional IRAs defer taxes until withdrawal, while Roth conversions trigger income taxes on the converted amount.
Paying taxes on a Roth conversion can be done using the converted funds or outside savings. Using outside savings is usually better for long-term growth. For example, someone in the 24% tax bracket converting $100,000 can benefit from using cash savings to pay the tax bill.
Early withdrawal penalties may apply if IRA funds are used to pay conversion taxes before age 59 ½. It’s crucial to consider this penalty when deciding how to pay the tax bill on a Roth conversion.
Financial advisors can assist in making important retirement decisions, like Roth conversions and tax planning. Finding the right advisor who aligns with your financial goals is essential for long-term financial success.
Ensure you have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Emergency funds should be liquid and easily accessible in case of unforeseen financial needs.
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Brandon Renfro, CFP®, answers reader questions on personal finance and tax topics. Have a question? Email [email protected] for a chance to have it answered in a future column.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: Can I Use the Converted Funds to Pay Taxes on a Roth Conversion?
