You may not have heard of a Roth 401(k) or know much about it, but with a majority of companies now offering this feature for their retirement savings plan, it could be a good opportunity to fund your future.
Here’s what you need to know:
Did you say Roth 401(k)? Here’s what you need to know
Roth 401(k) money grows tax-free
Like a traditional 401(k), a Roth 401(k) is an employer-sponsored savings plan. But unlike a traditional 401(k), your Roth 401(k) contributions are included in your taxable income at the time they are made. Since you include your Roth 401(k) contributions in your taxable income when they are made, you generally won't owe federal income taxes when it's time to make withdrawals.1
Your employer can help fund your retirement dreams
There’s a nice little perk that may come with a Roth 401(k), as well as with a traditional 401(k): matching contributions from the sponsoring company. This can turn into big bucks over time. Take note, though: Company matches are not taxed when contributed, so the contributions and gains will be included in your taxable income when you make a withdrawal.
You can sock away significant cash
A Roth 401(k) has high contribution limits, so you can stash three times more money than in a Roth IRA. And while single-filers who earn $140,000 or more don’t qualify for a Roth IRA, there are no income limits to contribute to a Roth 401(k) so those at all salary levels can participate.
You’re forced to take money out at a certain age
Like a traditional 401(k), you have to start taking required minimum distributions starting at age 72 unless you’re still working at the company sponsoring your plan or you roll over your Roth 401(k) funds to a Roth IRA before age 72. That’s a negative, as each withdrawal reduces the amount of money that’s growing tax-free.
You can mix and match retirement plans
The world is your oyster. You don’t have to choose just one of the retirement plan options out there. For instance, to hedge your bets on future tax rates, you can contribute to both a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k). Your combined contributions, though, can’t exceed the annual $19,500 limit or $26,000 maximum for workers 50 or older during the calendar year.
Comparing the plans
| Roth 401(k) | Traditional 401(k) | Roth IRA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Retirement plan offered by employers | Retirement plan offered by employers | An individual retirement account you can open on your own |
| Contributions | Payroll deductions of after-tax dollars | Payroll deductions of pre-tax dollars | Funded outside of the workplace with after-tax dollars |
| Income limits to contribute | None | None | $140,000 single $208,000 married couples filing jointly2 |
| 2021 annual employee contribution limits | $19,500 for under age 50, $26,000 if 50 or older during the calendar year3 | $19,500 for under age 50, $26,000 if 50 or older during the calendar year3 | $6,000 for under age 50, $7,000 if 50 or older during the calendar year4 |
| Possible employer match | Yes | Yes | No |
Source: Internal Revenue Service, 2021
So, is a Roth 401(k) right for you?
A Roth 401(k) might make the most sense if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement. In that scenario, you would pay lower taxes now on your current contributions and no taxes on your investments and gains when you start withdrawing. (Remember, you’ll still have to pay taxes on your employer’s contributions and earnings.)
If you’re making more money today than you expect to make in retirement, you might be better off with a traditional 401(k). That way, you’d pay taxes upon withdrawal, when your tax rate is lower. Doing some research on traditional 401(k)s, IRAs and Roth IRAs will help you to find the options that best suit your needs.
As with any big money decision, consider consulting a financial advisor or another financial professional.
- Get more information on traditional 401(k)s, IRAs and Roth IRAs
- Learn how to build a solid foundation for retirement
1. Withdrawals from a Roth 401(k) account are not subject to federal income taxes, so long as certain requirements for "qualified distributions" are met. State income tax laws vary; consult with your tax professional to determine how your state treats Roth 401(k) account distributions.
2. For singles, the income phase-out range is $125,000 to $139,999. For married couples filing jointly, the income phase-out range is $198,000 to $207,999.
3. If you contribute to both a traditional 401(k) and Roth 401(k), your combined contributions cannot exceed the maximum threshold of $19,500 (or $26,000 for those age 50 and above during the calendar year).
4. If you contribute to both a Roth IRA and traditional IRA, your combined contributions cannot exceed the maximum threshold of $6,000 (or $7,000 for those age 50 and above during the calendar year).
5. Except for employer match or other employer contributions.
6. Tax-free withdrawals (i.e., qualified distributions) are allowed if five years have passed since your first Roth 401(k) contribution to the plan and you're 59 1/2, disabled or deceased.
7. Effective 1/1/2020, the required beginning date for required minimum distributions (RMD) for individuals who turn age 70 1/2 on or after 1/1/20 is age 72. You may defer your first RMD until April 1st in the year after you turn age 70 1/2 or 72, as applicable, but then you'd be required to take two distributions in that year. You may be able to delay your RMD if you are still working for the sponsoring company and don't own 5% or more of that company.
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