· Listen
This lesson has not yet been reviewed by a CFP or CPA. The mechanics and figures here are sourced to IRS guidance on Roth IRAs, the 2026 IRA contribution and income limits, and Topic No. 451. The pro-rata rule interacts with any pre-tax IRA balances you already hold, which is specific to your situation. Consult a licensed advisor before acting on a specific situation.
If your income is too high to contribute directly to a Roth IRA, you can still get money in there through a two-step process called a backdoor Roth conversion. It's legal, common, and explicitly allowed by the IRS.
How it works
- Contribute to a Traditional IRA (no income limit on contributions)
- Convert that Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA
- Pay tax on any gains between contribution and conversion (usually pennies if you do it quickly)
The result: money in your Roth IRA, growing tax-free for the rest of your life.
The pro-rata rule trap
If you have any pre-tax money in any Traditional IRA, SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA, the IRS makes you convert proportionally, meaning part of your conversion gets taxed. This is the most common backdoor mistake.
The fix: roll any existing pre-tax IRA money into your current employer's 401(k) before doing the backdoor. 401(k) balances don't count toward the pro-rata calculation.
Don't do this without help the first time
The mechanics involve specific IRS forms (Form 8606) and timing rules. A CPA fee for the year you start a backdoor Roth is well worth it. Once you understand the cycle, you can do it yourself in subsequent years.
This article is general education only. The backdoor Roth has subtle complications. Talk to a tax professional before doing it for the first time, especially if you have existing IRA balances.
What this lesson is NOT
This is not tax advice. The backdoor Roth has real complications, most importantly the pro-rata rule, which can create a surprise tax bill if you hold other pre-tax IRA money. It is not a fit for everyone, and it depends on current law. Talk to a tax professional before doing one.
Quick check on this lesson
Answer each question and we’ll show you why the right answer is right, and why the others aren’t.
- 1.
What problem does a backdoor Roth IRA solve?
- 2.
Per the lesson, what are the steps of a backdoor Roth conversion?
- 3.
What is the 'pro-rata rule trap' in a backdoor Roth?
- 4.
Per the lesson, what's the fix for the pro-rata rule problem?
- 5.
Per the lesson, why is professional help recommended the first time you do a backdoor Roth?
0 of 5 answered