Backdoor Roth IRA
A backdoor Roth is a legal workaround that lets high earners fund a Roth IRA despite the income limits. You contribute to a non-deductible traditional IRA, then convert it to a Roth — since anyone can convert, the income cap on direct Roth contributions no longer blocks you.
The catch is the 'pro-rata rule': if you hold other pre-tax IRA money, part of the conversion is taxable. Because the mechanics are easy to get wrong, most people do a backdoor Roth with a tax professional's guidance.
Put it to work
Roth IRA Calculator
Project your Roth IRA's tax-free value at retirement and see how much of it is earnings you'll never pay tax on. Uses the 2026 limit of $7,500.
Traditional IRA Calculator
Project your traditional IRA at retirement, see this year's tax deduction, and estimate the tax you'll owe on withdrawals. Uses the 2026 limit of $7,500.