Blog

Roth conversions are one of the most powerful — and often confusing — tools for couples 50+ planning retirement. In simple terms: you pay taxes now on traditional IRA/401(k) money so your future withdrawals (and your heirs’) can be tax-free. With 2026 Roth catch-up rules and permanent higher estate exemptions, many families are asking: “Is now a good time to convert?”

John F. Davenport, licensed attorney in New York and Connecticut and founder of J. Davenport Advisors and Davenport & Associates in Norwalk, CT, explains: “Think of a Roth conversion like paying the bill early so your kids and grandkids never have to. It’s not right for everyone, but for many it creates tax-free legacy money.”

Roth Conversion Basics – Like You’re 5

• Traditional IRA/401(k): You put in pre-tax dollars, pay taxes when you withdraw.
• Roth IRA: You pay taxes now, then withdrawals (and growth) are tax-free forever.
• Conversion: Move money from traditional → Roth. You pay ordinary income tax on the amount moved in the year you convert.

Key 2026 Rules to Know

• No income limit for conversions (unlike contributions).
• Mandatory Roth catch-ups start in 2026 for high earners (prior-year wages >$150,000) — extra $8,000 (or $11,250 ages 60–63) must go to Roth.
• Higher standard limits: $24,500 401(k), $7,500 IRA — more room to build Roth savings.
• No required minimum distributions (RMDs) on Roth IRAs during your lifetime — great for legacy.

5 Simple Steps to Explore Roth Conversions in 2026

1. Check Your Current Tax Bracket Conversions are taxed as ordinary income — do it in low-income years to pay less tax. John F. Davenport, financial advisor Norwalk CT and investment advisor Norwalk, reviews brackets to find “sweet spots.”
2. Calculate Partial Conversions Convert only what fits in your current bracket (e.g., up to the top of the 22% bracket). Avoid jumping into higher brackets.
3. Use Tax Withholding or Savings Pay the conversion tax from outside funds (not the IRA) to keep more growing tax-free.
4. Consider Legacy & Heirs Roth IRAs pass tax-free to Gen Z heirs (no RMDs for 10 years). Norwalk estate planning attorney John F. Davenport at J. Davenport Advisors helps coordinate with trusts.
5. Review Annually Tax laws and your situation change — re-evaluate every year.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Roth IRA in 2026

Feature	Traditional IRA/401(k)	Roth IRA (After Conversion)
Taxes on Contributions	Pre-tax (lower now)	After-tax (pay now)
Taxes on Withdrawals	Ordinary income	Tax-free (if rules met)
RMDs During Lifetime	Required at 73	None
Inheritance for Heirs	Taxable to them	Tax-free (10-year rule)
Best For	Lower current bracket	Lower future bracket or legacy

Common Questions

• Will I pay too much tax now? Only convert what fits comfortably — John F. Davenport in Norwalk, CT runs the numbers for you.
• How does this help my kids? Tax-free inheritance — no surprise tax bill for Gen Z heirs.
• Is it worth it in 2026? With higher limits and Roth mandates, many couples explore it — especially for legacy.

Roth conversions aren’t one-size-fits-all, but they’re a powerful tool for tax-free retirement income and legacy. John F. Davenport, Norwalk estate planning attorney and financial advisor Norwalk CT at J. Davenport Advisors, helps Norwalk wealth management clients decide if it fits.

Schedule your complimentary call today: Click here → https://iwantmywealthplan.com/free-call

About the author

John F. Davenport, founder of J. Davenport Advisors and Davenport & Associates in Norwalk, CT, is a licensed attorney in New York and Connecticut with more than 30 years of experience as a financial advisor and investment advisor. He specializes in helping Americans maximize retirement income, explore tax-efficient strategies, implement in-plan annuity and hybrid solutions, and build lasting legacies for their heirs through thoughtful wealth planning.

References

IRS: 2026 Roth Conversion & Catch-Up Rules – https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-roth-ira-contributions

Fidelity: Roth Conversion Guide 2026 – https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/roth-ira-conversion

Charles Schwab: Roth vs. Traditional IRA Comparison – https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/roth-vs-traditional-ira-which-is-right-for-you

Vanguard: 2026 Retirement Contribution Limits & Strategies – https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/retirement/contribution-limits