Tuesday November 24, 2009 9:52 AM ET
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Understanding the Roth 401(k)
This nifty retirement-savings option might be right for you. Here are the details.
 
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User Comments
Posted by: cocojambo
So let me understand this, the contribution limit for 2009 for regular 401(k) plans and Roth 401(k) plans is $16,500? So what's the difference between a regular 401k and Roth 401k? Is the tax deductible? I am a highly compensated employee and found the following difference between a Roth 401k and a Roth IRA:

The Roth 401k provides a greater advantage to highly compensated employees who cannot contribute to a Roth IRA due to the income phase-out ranges and salary limits imposed on Roth IRAs. Eligibility for 2009 income phase-out ranges is between $105,000 and $120,000 for single filers and $166,000 to $176,000 for those who are married and file jointly. Roth 401(k), unlike the Roth IRA does not have income phase-out ranges. The Roth 401(k) is also subject to contribution limits of regular 401k plans - $16,500 for 2009 or $22,000 for those 50 or older by end of the year unlike the Roth IRA where the contribution limit is $5000 for 2009 and $6,000 for people 50 years or older by ...(Read more of this comment)
Posted by: PShannon98
will you be able to convert after-tax 401K to Roth 401K in 2010, similarly to how you will be able to convert traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs??
Posted by: dirtfarmer
If one is 75 years old and has $25,000 in an IRA, in 2010 would it be best to convert the entire amount to a Roth paying the taxes on the amount? I am thinking then the heirs would not have to pay any taxes on that money say if they pass away 4 years later? Also then those 4 years that the money has grown will not be taxable. Is the tax that they pay on the traditional IRA deducted anywhere on their income tax for that year as a credit then?
Posted by: idocno
That is a great idea above. I pray that in 2010 that i will be able to convert all my sep money to a roth ira, but i am not holding my breath on that rule still being in effect with the democrats in power and the deficit rising.
Posted by: eharnish
If I contribute the maximum to my Roth 401(k) (e.g. $15,000), assuming I also meet the Roth IRA income limitations, can I also contribute to a Roth IRA?
Posted by: eharnish
If I contribute the maximum to my Roth 401(k) (e.g. $15,000), assuming I also meet the Roth IRA income limitations, can I also contribute to a Roth IRA?
Posted by: cocojambo
you should convert your traditional 401k plan into a Roth IRA in 2010, like it says on this website http://www.research401k.com/

You should contribute as much as you can towards other retirement plans such as the SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 403b plan or 401k plan. Once you have accumulated a huge nest egg in any of these retirement plans, you can then convert them to Roth IRA in 2010.
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