Please note: This article may contain outdated information about RMDs and retirement accounts due to the SECURE Act 2.0, a law governing retirement savings (e.g., the age at which individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement account will change from 72 to 73 beginning January 1, 2023). For more information about the SECURE Act 2.0, please read this article or speak with your financial consultant. (1222-2NLK)
According to the Plan Sponsor Council of America, Roth 401(k)s are now permitted for nearly 90% of retirement plans. If your employer is among them, you may be wondering how a Roth 401(k) differs from a Roth IRA.
"Both Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are funded with after-tax dollars—meaning there's no upfront tax benefit for contributing—but once you get to retirement, you can withdraw the contributions and earnings totally tax-free,"1 says Hayden Adams, CPA, CFP®, director of tax and financial planning at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. "However, Roth 401(k)s offer additional benefits that should not be overlooked." Chief among them:
- No income limits: Anyone can contribute to a Roth 401(k), if available, regardless of income level. In contrast, only individuals earning less than $144,000 in 2022—$214,000 for married couples—can contribute to a Roth IRA. "Higher earners often access Roth IRAs by converting their traditional IRAs, but doing so can trigger a big tax bill," Hayden says. "Saving in a Roth 401(k) could be a better way to go if the taxes on a Roth IRA conversion are prohibitive."
- Higher contribution limits: In 2022, you can stash away up to $20,500 in a Roth 401(k)—$27,000 if you're age 50 or older.2 Roth IRA contributions, by comparison, are capped at $6,000—$7,000 if you're 50 or older.
- Matching contributions: Roth 401(k)s are eligible for matching contributions from your employer, if offered. That said, your employer's matching contributions are pretax and will be placed in a regular, tax-deferred 401(k) account, which means you'll be taxed once you start taking distributions.
One potential disadvantage of using a Roth 401(k)—at least relative to a Roth IRA—is that you'll have to take IRS-mandated required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 72. To avoid these mandatory distributions and keep your money invested, once you leave your job you can roll over your Roth 401(k) into a Roth IRA, which aren't subject to RMDs.3 Another drawback is that you'll be limited to the investments offered by your company's plan instead of the variety available with a Roth IRA from a brokerage. Investment fees may also be higher.
"Nevertheless, Roth 401(k)s can still be a great tool—especially for high-wage earners and/or those who anticipate higher taxes in retirement," Hayden says.
1 Account holder must be 59½ or older and have owned the account for at least five years.
2 You may choose to split your contributions between Roth and traditional 401(k)s, but your combined contributions can't exceed $20,500 ($27,000 if you're age 50 or older).
3 Be aware that the five-year rule applies to the length of time the Roth IRA has been open, regardless of how long the Roth 401(k) was open.
How much will you need to retire?
More from Charles Schwab
How Do 401(k)s Work? 8 Frequently Asked Questions
Investing Basics: Planning for Retirement
What Is a 401(k)?
Related topics
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market conditions. Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness, or reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be reflective of results you can expect to achieve.
This information does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consultation with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager.
The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
0522-27PM