At 65 and Taking Social Security-Can I Still Do a Roth Conversion with $750k?

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If you’re 65 years old and collecting Social Security, you may wonder if it’s too late to convert your $750,000 traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. The short answer is no – there are no legal restrictions to Roth conversion based on age or income. Practically, however, the decision involves carefully weighing tax implications, healthcare costs, estate planning and more. Spreading conversions over multiple years often makes the most financial sense for larger IRAs. Guidance from a financial advisor can help you weigh the costs of a Roth conversion in your circumstances.

Roth Conversion Basics

A Roth IRA conversion involves moving funds from a traditional, pre-tax IRA into an after-tax Roth IRA account. You pay income tax on the money that gets converted now, but future withdrawals in retirement come out tax-free.

Plus, traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73. This can lead to higher taxes in retirement as RMD income, which is treated as ordinary taxable income, can push retirees into higher tax brackets. But RMD rules don’t apply to Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s, so you can leave the money in the account or withdraw it any time you need it without owing any taxes on your contributions (you may owe income taxes on investment earnings if you withdraw them less than five years after making your initial contribution).

If you need additional help navigating the rules surrounding Roth IRAs, consider speaking with a financial advisor.

Why Timing Your Roth Conversion Matters

You may not find that one course of action is clearly superior. Factors to consider when deciding if and how much Roth conversion makes sense:

• Compare current vs. future income tax rates

• Account for RMDs and estate plans

• Weigh healthcare and other senior costs

• Assess tax impact on heirs

• Model multi-year scenarios

Strategic partial Roth conversions tailored to your situation may provide the most tax advantages for people with large IRA balances.

One major limitation to Roth conversions is that they cannot be reversed. If tax rates decline later or you need converted funds sooner, you could regret having locked in taxes now at a higher rate. Inheritance plans may also change. Do a thorough multi-year analysis before committing to convert.

Run your own Roth conversion scenarios first or enlist the help of a financial advisor to help you make these important calculations.

Bottom Line

At 65 or any age, while parts of your retirement finances remain unsettled, limiting Roth conversions to small chunks spread over years offers flexibility. This balances immediate tax costs against future tax savings for you and your heirs. As with most money moves in retirement, prudently assessing your multi-year tax picture first is key.

Retirement Planning Tips

• Instead of guessing if converting your IRA makes sense, talk to a financial advisor who can crunch the numbers. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

• Keep in mind that there are income limitations for contributing to a Roth IRA. In 2024, the IRS doesn’t permit single filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) above $87,000 and married couples who file jointly with an AGI above $240,000. However, backdoor Roth IRAs can help high earners legally circumvent these income limits.

• Keep an emergency fund on hand in case you run into unexpected expenses. An emergency fund should be liquid — in an account that isn’t at risk of significant fluctuation like the stock market. The tradeoff is that the value of liquid cash can be eroded by inflation. But a high-interest account allows you to earn compound interest. Compare savings accounts from these banks.

• Are you a financial advisor looking to grow your business? SmartAsset AMP helps advisors connect with leads and offers marketing automation solutions so you can spend more time making conversions. Learn more about SmartAsset AMP.

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The post I’m 65 Years Old With $750k in an IRA. I’m Taking Social Security – Is It Too Late for a Roth Conversion? appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.