Traditional vs Roth IRA Calculator
The whole decision comes down to one question: is your tax rate higher now, or will it be higher in retirement? Run the numbers.
Winner
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Traditional IRA (after retirement tax)$0
Roth IRA (tax paid upfront, then tax-free)$0
Advantage$0
Rule of Thumb—
Fair comparison: the same pre-tax dollars go in each route. Traditional = full amount invested, taxed at withdrawal; Roth = tax paid today, remainder invested, withdrawals tax-free. Lower tax rate in retirement favors Traditional; higher favors Roth; equal rates tie exactly. Many savers hedge by splitting between both. 2026 combined IRA limit: $7,500 ($8,600 age 50+). Estimates only, not tax advice.