Roth vs Traditional 401(k)?

A 401(k) contribution can be an effective retirement tool. As of January 2006, there is a new type of 401(k) - the Roth 401(k). The Roth 401(k) allows you to contribute to your 401(k) account on an after-tax basis - and pay no taxes on qualifying distributions when the money is withdrawn. For some investors, this could prove to be a better option than contributing on a pre-tax basis, where deposits are subject to taxes when the money is withdrawn. Use this calculator to help determine the best option for your retirement.

Definitions

Current age Your current age. Annual contribution The amount you will contribute to a 401(k) each year. This calculator assumes that you make 12 equal contributions throughout the year at the beginning of each month. The annual maximum for 2013 is $17,500. If you are age 50 or over, a "catch-up" provision allows you to contribute even more to your 401(k). Employees age 50 or over can deposit an additional $5,500 into their 401(k) account. It is also important to note that employer contributions do not affect an employee's maximum annual contribution limit. Both the annual maximum and "catch-up" provisions are indexed for inflation. It is important to note that some employees are subject to another form of contribution limits. Employees classified as "Highly Compensated" may be subject to contribution limits based on their employer's overall 401(k) participation. If you expect your salary to be $115,000 or more in 2013 or was $115,000 or more in 2012, you may need to contact your employer to see if these additional contribution limits apply to you. Expected rate of return The annual rate of return for your 401(k) account. This calculator assumes that your return is compounded annually and your deposits are made monthly. The actual rate of return is largely dependent on the types of investments you select. The S&P 500 for the 10 years ending Dec. 31st, 2012 had an annual compounded rate of return of 7.1%, including reinvestment of dividends. From January 1970 through the end of 2012, the average annual compounded rate of return for the S&P 500, including reinvestment of dividends, was approximately 10.1% (source: www.standardandpoors.com). Since 1970, the highest 12-month return was 61% (June 1982 through June 1983). The lowest 12-month return was -43% (March 2008 to March 2009). Savings accounts at a bank may pay as little as 0.25% or less but carry significantly lower risk of loss of principal balances. It is important to remember that these scenarios are hypothetical and that future rates of return can't be predicted with certainty and that investments that pay higher rates of return are generally subject to higher risk and volatility. The actual rate of return on investments can vary widely over time, especially for long-term investments. This includes the potential loss of principal on your investment. It is not possible to invest directly in an index and the compounded rate of return noted above does not reflect sales charges and other fees that funds and/or investment companies may charge. Age of retirement Age you wish to retire. This calculator assumes that the year you retire, you do not make any contributions to your 401(k). So if you retire at age 65, your last contribution happened when you were actually 64. Current tax rate The current marginal income tax rate you expect to pay on your taxable investments. Use the table below to assist you in determining your current tax rate. Filing Status and Income Tax Rates 2013* Caution: Do not use these tax rate schedules to figure 2012 taxes. Use only to figure 2013 estimates. Tax rate Married filing jointly or qualified widow(er) Single Head of household Married filing separately 10% $0 - $17,850 $0 - $8,925 $0 - $12,750 $0 - $8,925 15% $17,850 - $72,500 $8,925 - $36,250 $12,750 - $48,600 $8,925 - $36,250 25% $72,500 - $146,400 $36,250 - $87,850 $48,600 - $125,450 $36,250 to $73,200 28% $146,400 - $223,050 $87,850 - $183,250 $125,450 - $203,150 $73,200 to $111,525 33% $223,050 - $398,350 $183,250 - $398,350 $203,150 - $398,350 $111,525 to $199,175 35% $398,350 - $450,000 $398,350 - $400,000 $398,350 - $425,000 $199,175 to $225,000 39.6% over $450,000 over $400,000 over $425,000 over $225,000 *Source: 2013 preliminary tax brackets subject to correction http://www.irs.gov Retirement tax rate The marginal tax rate you expect to pay on your investments at retirement. After tax total at retirement For the Roth 401(k), this is the total value of the account. For the Traditional 401(k), this is the sum of two parts: 1) The value of the account after you pay income taxes on all earnings and tax deductible contributions and 2) what you would have earned if you had invested (in an ordinary taxable account) any income tax savings.