Project your Roth IRA growth — contributions, returns and tax-free withdrawals at retirement.
Used only for the taxable-account comparison line. The Roth IRA itself is not taxed on qualified withdrawals.
tax-free at retirement
How to use this tool
Enter your age so the calculator can show the contribution limit that applies to you.
Add your current balance and the amount you plan to contribute each year.
Set the years until retirement and the annual return you expect.
Read your projected tax-free balance, the contribution limit, and the taxable-account comparison.
Formula & worked example
With a $10,000 balance, $7,000 contributed each year at a 7% return for 30 years, a Roth IRA grows to $737,348.05: $220,000 of contributions plus $517,348.05 of tax-free growth. The same money in a taxable account, taxed at 15% on gains, would keep only $659,745.85 — so the Roth shelter saves about $77,602.21.
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
This tool is US-specific and is not tax advice. Contribution limits, income phase-outs and withdrawal rules change by tax year and personal situation — verify the current IRS rules before acting. Returns are assumed constant, which never happens in real markets, and fees and employer plans are not included.
Frequently asked questions
Enter your age, current balance, yearly contribution, years until retirement and expected return. The calculator projects your tax-free balance and compares it with a taxable account.
For 2025 the IRS limit is $7,000 a year under age 50 and $8,000 at 50 or older, subject to income limits. If your contribution exceeds the limit for your age, the calculator warns you.
You contribute after-tax money, it grows tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. In a taxable account, gains are taxed when realised, which is what the comparison line shows.
Withdrawals are generally tax-free after age 59½ if the account is at least five years old. Early withdrawals of earnings can trigger tax and a penalty — this calculator assumes qualified withdrawals.
No. Eligibility depends on income and filing status, and limits change by tax year. Check the current IRS rules or a tax professional before contributing.