Calculator · Stage 1
Backdoor Roth IRA Eligibility Checker
Check if the backdoor Roth applies to your situation, calculate the pro-rata tax if you have pre-existing IRA balances, and see the exact steps.
Educational tool only. Verify current income limits and contribution limits at IRS.gov. Consult a CPA before executing if you have complex IRA situations.
Your Situation
Existing IRA Balances
Pre-tax IRA balances trigger the pro-rata rule. Include traditional, rollover, SEP, SIMPLE IRAs. Do not include Roth IRAs.
2026 Contribution Limits
Your Roth IRA contribution—
Spouse Roth IRA contribution—
Total household Roth—
Pro-Rata Analysis
✓ Clean — No pro-rata issue
You have no pre-tax IRA balances. Your non-deductible contribution converts 100% tax-free.
⚠ Pro-rata rule applies
You have pre-tax IRA balances. Only a portion of your conversion is tax-free.
Your pre-tax IRA balance—
Your new non-deductible contribution—
Total IRA balance (denominator)—
Tax-free % of conversion—
Taxable portion of conversion—
Tax owed on conversion—
Fix: Roll pre-tax IRA to your 401k first
If your 401k accepts incoming rollovers (check your plan), roll the pre-tax IRA balance into the 401k. Then your IRA is empty — the new non-deductible contribution converts 100% tax-free.
Step-by-Step Checklist
- 1.Resolve any pre-tax IRA balances (roll to 401k if possible)
- 2.Open a traditional IRA if you do not have one
- 3.Make a non-deductible contribution (do NOT deduct it on your taxes)
- 4.Convert to Roth IRA immediately (same week — minimize pre-conversion growth)
- 5.File Form 8606 with your tax return — both spouses separately if MFJ
- 6.Repeat annually in January