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Tax Strategy Calculator
Enter your retirement details to see withdrawal strategy, Roth conversion opportunity, and RMD projections.
Your Profile
Retirement Accounts
Pre-tax balance
After-tax balance
Non-retirement investments
Retirement Income
Expected monthly benefit
If applicable; enter 0 if none
Your Tax Strategy Analysis
Based on your inputs. Not financial or tax advice — consult a CPA for personalized guidance.
Key Metrics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal order to withdraw retirement accounts?
Most tax experts recommend withdrawing from taxable brokerage accounts first, then traditional IRA/401(k), and leaving Roth accounts last. This lets tax-deferred accounts continue compounding while using the most tax-efficient withdrawals first. However, the right order depends on your current tax bracket, projected RMDs, and whether Roth conversions make sense in low-income years before Social Security begins.
When does a Roth conversion make sense?
A Roth conversion is most valuable when your current tax rate is lower than your expected future rate — such as early retirement years before Social Security and RMDs start, or when your traditional balance is much larger than your Roth balance. Converting enough each year to fill your current tax bracket (without jumping into a higher one) is a common strategy. The tax-free growth and no RMD requirement make Roth accounts especially powerful in later retirement.
How much of my Social Security is taxable?
Up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be taxable. The amount depends on your "combined income" (AGI + nontaxable interest + half your SS). For married couples filing jointly: combined income below $32,000 means no SS taxation; $32,000–$44,000 means up to 50% is taxable; above $44,000 means up to 85% is taxable. For single filers the thresholds are $25,000 and $34,000. This is why controlling your withdrawal income around these thresholds matters.