The products listed here, many or all of them, are from our partners, who pay us. This affects the products we write about as well as the location and arrangement of the products on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. This is our revenue model and a list of our partners.
This page’s investment information is solely meant to be educational. NerdWallet, Inc. does not recommend or advise investors to purchase or sell specific stocks, securities, or other investments, nor does it provide advisory or brokerage services.
When you pay taxes is the main distinction between a traditional, pre-tax 401(k) and a Roth 401(k). After-tax funds are used to fund Roth 401(k)s, which you can take out tax-free when you reach retirement age. You can make pre-tax contributions to a traditional 401(k), but when you take distributions in retirement, you’ll be responsible for income tax.
Choosing between a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k) is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your retirement savings. Both options offer tax benefits, but understanding the nuances of each is essential to maximizing your financial advantage. This guide will delve into the key differences between these two plans, helping you determine which one aligns best with your individual circumstances.
Understanding the Basics
Traditional 401(k):
- Contributions: Pre-tax dollars are deducted from your paycheck, reducing your taxable income for the current year.
- Taxation: Contributions are not taxed until withdrawn in retirement, at which point they are taxed as ordinary income.
- Withdrawals: Subject to a 10% penalty if withdrawn before age 59 1/2, with some exceptions.
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Required to begin withdrawing funds at age 73.
Roth 401(k):
- Contributions: Made with after-tax dollars, meaning you don’t receive an immediate tax break.
- Taxation: Contributions are not taxed in retirement, and qualified withdrawals are also tax-free.
- Withdrawals: Subject to a 10% penalty on earnings if withdrawn before age 59 1/2, with some exceptions.
- RMDs: No longer required starting in 2024.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
1. Current Tax Bracket:
- Lower Tax Bracket: If you’re currently in a low tax bracket, a Roth 401(k) might be advantageous. You’ll pay taxes on contributions now, but your withdrawals in retirement will be tax-free.
- Higher Tax Bracket: If you’re in a higher tax bracket, a traditional 401(k) might be preferable. You’ll receive a tax break on contributions now, potentially saving more money upfront.
2. Expected Future Tax Bracket:
- Higher Future Tax Bracket: If you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a Roth 401(k) becomes more attractive. You’ll pay taxes now at a lower rate, avoiding higher taxes on withdrawals later.
- Lower Future Tax Bracket: If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, a traditional 401(k) might be more beneficial. You’ll pay taxes on withdrawals at a lower rate later.
3. Age and Time Horizon:
- Younger Individuals: Younger individuals have a longer time horizon for their investments to grow. A Roth 401(k) can potentially accumulate more tax-free earnings over a longer period.
- Older Individuals: Older individuals may have a shorter time horizon and may prefer the immediate tax break offered by a traditional 401(k).
4. Employer Matching Contributions:
- Matching Contributions: If your employer offers matching contributions, it’s crucial to consider how these contributions are treated. Some employers may match contributions to a traditional 401(k) but not a Roth 401(k).
5. Risk Tolerance:
- Risk Tolerance: Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning you’re investing money you’ve already paid taxes on. This can provide some peace of mind for individuals with a lower risk tolerance.
6. Personal Financial Goals:
- Financial Goals: Consider your overall financial goals and how each type of 401(k) aligns with those goals. For example, if you’re aiming for early retirement, a Roth 401(k) might be more suitable due to its tax-free withdrawals.
Choosing between a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401(k) requires careful consideration of your individual circumstances. By analyzing your current and expected tax brackets, age, time horizon, employer matching contributions, risk tolerance, and financial goals, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term financial well-being.
What is a Roth 401(k)?
The Roth 401(k), a close relative of the traditional 401(k), applies to your workplace plan the tax treatment of a Roth IRA: contributions are withheld from your paycheck after taxes, but retirement distributions are tax-free. That means you duck paying taxes on investment growth.
Nowadays, a lot of employers provide both the traditional and Roth 401(k) options. In case yours does, should you reject the current situation? Here’s a brief explanation of the Roth 401(k) vs 401(k).
Roth 401(k) vs. traditional 401(k): Where they differ
When taxes are applied is the primary distinction between traditional 401(k) plans and Roth plans. Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made before taxes, while contributions to a Roth 401(k) are taxed immediately.
What is the same for both accounts is the 401(k) contribution cap. In 2024, your contribution cap is $23,000 ($30,500 for individuals 50 years of age or above). As long as your total contributions stay below that limit, you are able to make contributions to both accounts in the same year.
Why Should I Choose A Roth 401(k) Over Traditional?
FAQ
Should I contribute more to my 401k or Roth 401k?
Is it better to invest in 401k or Roth IRA?
Should I split my 401k between Roth and traditional?
Is there a downside to Roth 401k?
Can I contribute to a Roth 401(k) and a traditional 401 (k)?
You can contribute to both a traditional and Roth 401 (k), as long as contributions don’t exceed the combined annual maximum. The biggest difference between a Roth 401 (k) and a traditional, pre-tax 401 (k) is when you pay taxes. Roth 401 (k)s are funded with after-tax money that you can withdraw tax-free once you reach retirement age.
What is the difference between a Roth 401(k) and a 401 (k)?
Here’s a quick briefing on the Roth 401 (k) vs. 401 (k). The main difference between Roth and traditional 401 (k) plans is when taxes are applied. In a traditional 401 (k), contributions are made pre-tax, whereas in a Roth 401 (k), contributions are taxed up front.
Are Roth 401(k)s a good investment?
With their tax-free earnings and large contribution limits, Roth 401 (k)s could be a useful addition to the retirement-savings toolbox. Many companies now offer employer-sponsored Roth 401 (k) retirement accounts alongside traditional 401 (k) plans, giving employees another way to save for retirement. What’s the difference between the two accounts?
Can a Roth 401(k) be matched with a traditional 401 (k)?
Most employers that offer both a Roth 401 (k) and a traditional 401 (k) will let you switch back and forth between them or even split your contributions. Employers may even match Roth 401 (k) contributions.