Backdoor Roth Calculator

For high earners over the Roth income limit. Model the conversion, check for pro-rata trap, and see the lifetime value.

Modified AGI ($)

Filing Status

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Annual Contribution ($)

Existing Pre-Tax IRA Balance ($)

Years Until Retirement

Expected Annual Return 7.0%

The Backdoor Roth Process

Contribute $7,000 to a Traditional IRA (non-deductible)

Because your income exceeds the Roth limit, you make a non-deductible contribution to a Traditional IRA. File Form 8606 to report the basis.

Convert $7,000 to a Roth IRA

Do this shortly after contributing to minimize any taxable growth. The conversion itself has no income limit.

Pay tax on any gains + pro-rata portion: $0

If you have no pre-tax IRA balances, the conversion is tax-free (you already paid tax on the contribution).

⚠️ Pro-rata trap triggered. —

Roth Balance After 25 years

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tax-free for life

Total Contributed

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Tax-Free Earnings

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Backdoor Roth Balance Growth

Backdoor Roth Calculator

The Backdoor Roth Calculator is built specifically for high earners locked out of direct Roth IRA contributions by income limits. Enter your Modified Adjusted Gross Income and filing status, and the calculator runs an instant eligibility check against the 2025 phase-out ranges, telling you whether you need the backdoor, can contribute directly, or sit in the phase-out zone. Below that, a three-step walkthrough shows exactly how the conversion works, with dollar amounts that update live as you adjust inputs. The pro-rata trap detector fires automatically when you enter any existing pre-tax IRA balance, warning you that a portion of your conversion will be taxed and explaining the workarounds. The results panel projects your lifetime Roth balance, total contributions, and tax-free earnings. It's the calculator that turns a confusing tax strategy into a clear, personalized roadmap for one of the best tools high earners have for building tax-free retirement wealth.