IRA Calculator - Traditional vs Roth
Compare Traditional and Roth IRA to find the best retirement strategy based on your tax situation. See exactly how much you'll save with each option.
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IRA Calculator - Traditional vs Roth
Compare Traditional and Roth IRA to find the best retirement strategy for you
2026 limit: $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+)
Traditional vs Roth IRA: Which is Better?
Key Differences
| Feature | Traditional IRA | Roth IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Deduction | ✅ Yes (now) | ❌ No |
| Tax on Withdrawals | ❌ Yes | ✅ No (tax-free!) |
| RMDs (Required Withdrawals) | ❌ Yes at 73 | ✅ No |
| Income Limits | ✅ None | ❌ Yes ($161K-$176K single) |
| Early Withdrawal | ❌ 10% penalty | ✅ Contributions anytime |
When to Choose Traditional IRA
- You're in a high tax bracket now (32%+)
- You expect lower income in retirement
- You need the tax deduction this year
- You're over the Roth income limits
When to Choose Roth IRA
- You're young and in a lower tax bracket (12-22%)
- You expect higher income/taxes in retirement
- You want tax-free growth and withdrawals
- You want flexibility (no RMDs)