TransWikia.com

Backdoor Roth vs Mega backdoor Roth contributions

Personal Finance & Money Asked on May 2, 2021

I heard about Backdoor Roth IRA, and Mega backdoor Roth contributions. Are they one and the same? Or are they different?

I ask because I know some folks who work for a big tech company in the US that apparently offers both as options, and they seem to distinguish between these two ways to maximize your contributions to retirement. Moreover, they seem to claim that you don’t have to choose and that you can do both.

What are the differences between them? And can you actually do both?

One Answer

You can do both, and it's not a bad idea to (assuming a Roth is right for you).

A Backdoor Roth Contribution is a workaround if your income is over the IRS limit for direct Roth IRA contributions. Instead, you contribute money into your IRA, and convert it to Roth IRA. This has no tax consequences (unless your IRA wasn't empty to begin with; then it gets complicated), so it is effectively a Roth IRA contribution in two steps.
Note that there is still the annual limit for all your contributions, but anyone with income can do it.

A Mega-Backdoor Roth Contribution works through your 401k - you contribute post-tax income directly from your paycheck into your 401k (the limit is 57000 per year), and then roll it over into your Roth IRA. This rolling might not be possible right away, depending on your company's 401k rules, but once you leave the company, you can do it, and ir doesn't 'turn bad' inside the 401k, so you are not in a hurry.

There are many small details, and Books have been written about them - but these are the core ideas. If you plan to do either or both, read up on the details!

Correct answer by Aganju on May 2, 2021

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question

Get help from others!

© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP