I will be honest: we are not maximizing this. The backdoor Roth is one of those strategies where you know it matters, but the execution gets buried under confusing employer plan rules, contribution limits you have to look up every year, and terminology that sounds made up. What is a backdoor Roth versus a mega backdoor? Does your 401(k) even allow after-tax contributions? Most people — including us — do not have clear answers. Here is why it is worth figuring out: with the extreme wealth inequality in this country, there is a real chance that everything gets taxed eventually. Roth accounts are one of the few vehicles that might be grandfathered in as truly tax-free. The backdoor Roth is a legal loophole the IRS has not closed yet, and the mega backdoor Roth lets you shelter up to an additional $46,500 per year if your employer plan allows it. This calculator shows you the difference between a traditional IRA, backdoor Roth, and mega backdoor Roth over your actual timeline, using your real tax rates.
How the Calculator Works
This calculator compares three retirement strategies for high-income earners: traditional pre-tax contributions only, adding a backdoor Roth IRA ($7,000/year limit), and the mega backdoor Roth (up to $70,000 total 401k contributions including employer match). It uses 2026 tax brackets and contribution limits from the IRS.
Pro-rata rule warning: If you have any money in a traditional IRA, a backdoor Roth conversion will be partially taxable. The calculator flags this and explains your options.
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