The primary goal of a retirement account is to amass wealth over years of investments, earnings, and compound interest. Traditional IRAs and pre-tax contributions represent a solid path for many investors, but that’s not always the case.

If you find yourself in a higher tax bracket during retirement, you may end up giving the IRS a larger share of your savings. The issue could be further compounded by required minimum distributions (RMDs), which are mandatory in Traditional IRAs but not in their Roth counterpart.

A Roth conversion ladder helps you sidestep those challenges while building a path to tax-free withdrawals in the future. In this guide, we’ll discuss how a Roth conversion ladder works, its benefits, and how to set one up with a self-directed IRA.

What is a Roth Conversion Ladder?

A Roth conversion ladder is a tax strategy that lets you convert a portion of your Traditional IRA into a Roth each year, with the goal of reducing your future tax obligation.

When you move a portion of your Traditional IRA funds to a Roth account, you pay income tax on the converted amount in the transaction year. Once converted, the funds grow tax-free inside the Roth IRA.

Why not just move all the money at one time?

Fund moves from a traditional to Roth account are considered taxable income in that year. Depending on your income level, current tax brackets, and contribution value, a conversion can push you into the next tax bracket. The ladder approach can help avoid unnecessary tax issues.

Once the Roth account is open for five years, you can withdraw the converted funds penalty-free and tax-free, even if you’re under 59 ½. However, keep in mind that early withdrawal earnings, including compound interest from your initial conversion amount, are penalized until you are 59 ½.

Benefits of a Roth Conversion Ladder Strategy

A Roth conversion ladder offers several advantages that can make it a powerful retirement planning strategy.

Tax-free growth and withdrawals

After you convert, the assets in your Roth IRA grow tax-free. This includes future gains from investments, whether traditional assets, like stocks and mutual funds, or alternative SDIRA-held assets, like real estate and cryptocurrency. Withdrawals from contributions and earnings are also tax-free in retirement.

Early Access to Funds

Once the account is open for five years, you can withdraw the converted funds penalty-free and tax-free, even if you’re under age 59 ½. Early withdrawals from earnings, including compound interest from your initial conversion amount, are penalized until you are 59 ½.

No RMDs

If you have a Traditional IRA, you’ll be forced to make withdrawals in the year in which you turn 73, regardless of whether you want to or not. RMD calculations are based on your IRA balance and life expectancy. Roth accounts don’t have an RMD mandate, so you’re in full control of when and how you take funds out. This allows you to maximize compound interest for longer.

Tax-Bracket Control

Converting an entire IRA balance at once can push you into a higher income tax bracket, creating a larger-than-expected tax bill. A Roth conversion ladder solves this by spacing out smaller conversions over several years, letting you manage your taxable income and reduce the immediate impact.

Estate Planning Benefits

Roth IRAs also offer a smooth way to transfer wealth. Beneficiaries typically inherit Roth funds income tax-free, which can maximize what they keep while avoiding the burden of paying taxes on distributions. That makes the strategy well-suited for retirement and estate planning.

Asset Considerations in a Self-Directed IRA Conversion

When converting a Self-Directed IRA with alternative assets, keep these points in mind:

• Valuation matters. The IRS requires a fair market valuation of assets before conversion. This can be more complex with real estate or private equity.
• Liquidity planning. You’ll owe taxes on the converted amount, so you may need outside funds to cover the bill.
• Long-term growth potential. Converting assets with strong appreciation potential (like startups or real estate) could maximize tax-free growth once inside the Roth IRA.

How to Set Up a Roth Conversion Ladder

Setting up a Roth conversion ladder may sound complicated, but the process is straightforward.

1. Evaluate your Traditional IRA balance. Decide how much you want to move into a Roth IRA over the next several years.
2. Determine an annual conversion amount. Review current tax brackets and create a conversion schedule that will not result in higher taxes once the amount is added to your annual income.
3. Pay income tax on each conversion. Each amount you convert is treated as taxable income in that year, and it’s important to keep that in mind as you move funds and plan for your tax obligations in that year.
4. Repeat annually. Continue the process until you’ve reached your desired conversion amount, reviewing tax brackets and your income, especially if you’ve experienced a significant change in income or the IRS has updated tax brackets.
5. Pay attention to the five-year rule. Each conversion begins its own five-year waiting period before penalty-free withdrawals are allowed.

Tip: It’s smart to review your plan with an experienced tax or financial advisor. They can help you calculate the right conversion amounts, anticipate tax implications, and ensure your strategy aligns with your long-term retirement goals.

Is a Roth Conversion Ladder Right for You?

A Roth IRA conversion ladder offers many benefits, but it’s not right for everyone. It’s typically works best if:

• You expect to be in the same or higher tax bracket later in retirement.
• You want to retire early and need penalty-free access to your funds.
• You want to eliminate RMDs.
• You want to leave a tax-free inheritance.

This strategy can be especially attractive if you’re 50 or older and have built up significant savings in pre-tax accounts. Still, because conversions trigger income tax, it’s wise to run scenarios with a tax professional before making moves.

FAQs

Why would I use a Roth conversion ladder instead of converting my whole IRA at once?

Converting an entire IRA balance at once can significantly increase your taxable income for that year, potentially bumping you into a higher tax bracket. A ladder spreads the tax liability across multiple years, giving you more control over when and how you pay taxes.

How does the five-year rule apply to Roth conversion ladders?

Each conversion starts its own five-year clock. You must wait five years before withdrawing the converted funds tax and penalty-free. If you withdraw earlier, you may face penalties on earnings. However, once you reach 59½, the penalty no longer applies to earnings.

Are required minimum distributions (RMDs) avoided with a Roth conversion ladder?

Yes. Traditional IRAs require RMDs starting at age 73, but Roth IRAs do not. However, if you do not complete the Roth conversion ladder before the age of 73, you would still owe RMDs on your account even if you switch from a Traditional to Roth IRA at a later age.