Tools · Roth Conversion Ladder

Roth conversion ladder,
planned year by year.

Retiring before 59.5? The Roth conversion ladder is how you access Traditional retirement money without the 10% penalty. This tool shows how much to convert each year, what you live on during the 5-year wait, and what each conversion costs you in taxes.

This page covers US-specific accounts and tax law. Outside the US? The priority order is the same, the account names differ (ISA in the UK, TFSA/RRSP in Canada, Super in Australia, etc.).
THE 5-YEAR BRIDGE

Your first ladder conversion becomes accessible 5 tax years after the conversion ×DON'T TRUST, VERIFYClaim: Each Roth conversion has its own 5-year penalty-free clock.Verify at: IRS Publication 590-B ↗Each conversion tracks its own 5-year period separate from the overall Roth earnings rule.. You need other funding for those 5 years.

Bridge needed per year
$0
Total 5-year bridge
$0

Bridge sources: taxable brokerage, Roth contributions (principal only), cash savings, part-time work.

ANNUAL CONVERSION
$0
FEDERAL TAX
$0
STATE TAX
$0
NET LADDER RUNG
$0
THE PIPELINE
Age Convert Available at age Tax cost
ACA SUBSIDY NOTE

What this tool assumes
  • Each conversion has a 5-year clock before the principal can be withdrawn penalty-free.
  • Earnings on the converted amount still have Roth qualified-withdrawal rules.

Not financial advice. US tax law. Consult a CPA before large conversions.

Related

→ Roth Conversion Ladder Guide → FIRE Guide → Healthcare Before Medicare
HOW THIS IS CALCULATED

This tool runs entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server. All formulas use standard financial math. Verify the methodology or inspect the source code in your browser's dev tools.