Roth vs Traditional IRA
Both IRAs are tax-advantaged retirement accounts, but they work differently. Traditional IRAs deduct contributions now and tax withdrawals later. Roth IRAs do the opposite — pay tax now, withdraw tax-free later. 2026 contribution limit: $7,000 (plus $1,000 catch-up if 50+).
Which to Pick
If you think your tax rate will be higher in retirement, pick Roth. If lower, pick Traditional. Younger people with low current incomes usually benefit from Roth. High earners near retirement often prefer Traditional for the immediate deduction.
Key Rules
Roth contributions can be withdrawn anytime tax-free. Earnings must stay until 59½ and 5 years. Traditional withdrawals before 59½ trigger a 10% penalty plus income tax. Required Minimum Distributions kick in at 73 for Traditional (Roth has no RMDs).
FAQ
Income limits?
Roth direct contributions phase out at $146k single / $230k married (2026). Above that, look into a "backdoor Roth."
Try Also
Why Use This IRA Calculator?
The IRA Calculator runs entirely in your browser, which means three things matter for you. First, it's instant — there's no server round-trip, no upload, no waiting on someone else's queue. Second, it's private — nothing you enter ever leaves your device, which makes it safe for sensitive numbers, draft copy, or files you don't want sitting on a third party's servers. Third, it's free forever — no signup, no email capture, no "basic vs. pro" upsell. Open the page, get the answer, close the tab.
Common Use Cases
- Everyday lookups when you need a fast, reliable answer without installing an app
- Cross-checking results from another tool or spreadsheet when accuracy matters
- Quick reference during work calls, school assignments, or planning sessions
- Sharing the link with a colleague or friend who needs the same answer
- Bookmarking for repeat tasks that come up regularly throughout the week
Privacy & How Your Data Is Handled
Every calculation and every transformation in the IRA Calculator runs locally in your browser using standard JavaScript. We don't upload your input to any server, we don't log it, and we don't pass it to a third-party API. The tool works the same whether you're on a fast home connection or completely offline once the page has loaded. If you want to verify this for yourself, open your browser's network tab and run the tool — you won't see any outbound request carrying your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IRA Calculator really free?
Yes. Every tool on ClickSolveTools is free with no signup, no email capture, no paywalled "pro" features, and no usage limits. We don't sell your data and we don't run ads inside the tool itself.
Does the IRA Calculator work on my phone?
Yes. The IRA Calculator is mobile-first and works in any modern browser on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS. Inputs are touch-friendly, the layout is fully responsive, and nothing requires a desktop-only feature to function.
Do I need to sign up or install anything?
No. There's no account, no extension, no app to download. Open the page in any browser, use the tool, and close the tab when you're done. Your usage isn't tied to a profile.
Is my data safe?
Everything runs locally in your browser. We don't transmit your inputs, calculations, or files to any server. You can use the tool with full confidence even for sensitive information.