Can You Have a Roth IRA and a 401(k)? - NerdWallet (2024)

You can have both a Roth IRA and a 401(k) — or another type of employer-sponsored plan such as a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA, depending on what your employer offers — but each account has its own annual contribution limit.

In 2024, you can contribute $7,000 total across all of your Roth IRA and traditional IRA accounts (yes, you can have more than one IRA), with an extra $1,000 if you’re 50 or older. However, there are income limits for the Roth IRA.

» Ready to get started? See our picks for the best Roth IRA accounts

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When it comes to your 401(k) plan, you can contribute $23,000 in 2024. If you’re 50 or older, the annual contribution maximum jumps to $30,500 in 2024.

If you can max out both plans, congratulations: You’re well on your way to retirement success.

How to choose between a Roth IRA and a 401(k)

If you can’t contribute the maximum to both types of accounts, don’t worry. Most of us fall into that group. The ideal amount to save for retirement will vary by your financial situation and your overall goals. Check out our retirement calculator to measure your progress.

If you’re trying to figure out which type of account is the best place for your hard-earned dollars, start here:

  • If your employer offers a matching contribution in your 401(k) plan, consider contributing enough to get as much of that free money as you can.

  • Once you’re getting the full match, consider the pros and cons of a Roth IRA versus a 401(k). A lot will depend on the 401(k) you have. Some plans offer a good selection of low-cost investments; others, not so much. Some employers cover the plan’s administrative costs; others pass on those costs to employees. The beauty of an IRA (whether Roth or traditional) is that you can open one at just about any discount broker, with no account fees and access to a wide variety of low-cost investments.

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Can You Have a Roth IRA and a 401(k)? - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

Can You Have a Roth IRA and a 401(k)? - NerdWallet? ›

a 401(k) Both 401(k)s and IRAs — including Roth IRAs — have valuable tax benefits, and you can often contribute to both types of accounts. The contribution limit for 401(k)s is $23,000 in 2024 ($30,500 for those age 50 or older). The limit for IRAs is $7,000 in 2024 ($8,000 if age 50 or older).

Can I have both a 401k and Roth IRA? ›

Yes, you can have both a Roth 401(k) and a Roth IRA. Keep in mind the contribution limits for each account. If you receive a Roth 401(k) option through your employer, here's one strategy to consider: contribute enough money to your Roth 401(k) to receive the company match.

Is it illegal to have a Roth IRA and a 401k? ›

Not only is having both a Roth IRA and a 401(k) allowed by the IRS, but having both could also help you build a bigger nest egg. Even if you earn too much for a Roth, you have other options to use these 2 powerful savings tools at the same time.

Is a Roth IRA and 401k enough? ›

If you can afford to fund two retirement accounts simultaneously, having both a 401(k) and a Roth IRA helps you maximize your retirement-saving options since they offer opposite tax benefits. You get an immediate tax break with a 401(k) and with a Roth IRA you're essentially guaranteed a tax break in the future.

Can I contribute full $6,000 to IRA if I have a 401k? ›

If you participate in an employer's retirement plan, such as a 401(k), and your adjusted gross income (AGI) is equal to or less than the number in the first column for your tax filing status, you are able to make and deduct a traditional IRA contribution up to the maximum of $7,000, or $8,000 if you're 50 or older, in ...

Can I max out a 401k and a Roth IRA in the same year? ›

You can invest up to the combined allowable limits in a Roth 401(k) and a Roth IRA.

Can you have a solo 401k and Roth IRA at the same time? ›

As long as your modified AGI is not over a certain limit, you can also make Roth IRA contributions in addition to making Roth Solo 401k contributions. In short, you may not be able to also contribute to a Roth IRA if you make too much earned income.

What is the 5 year rule for Roth 401k to Roth IRA? ›

“If you open a Roth IRA for the first time in order to receive Roth 401(k) rollover funds, then you must wait five years to take a distribution penalty-free.” This rule wouldn't prevent you from withdrawing your original contributions after the rollover is complete.

What is a backdoor Roth IRA? ›

A backdoor Roth IRA is a conversion that allows high earners to open a Roth IRA despite IRS-imposed income limits. Basically, you put money you've already paid taxes on in a traditional IRA, then convert your contributed money into a Roth IRA, and you're done.

Are Roth and 401k limits separate? ›

The contribution limits are the same for traditional and Roth 401(k) accounts. A designated Roth 401(k) is considered a subaccount of your traditional 401(k), one that allows you to contribute post-tax dollars.

Is 100k in 401k by 30 good? ›

Financial Samurai 401k Savings Guideline

From the results, the average 30 year old should have between $100,000 – $350,000 saved up in their 401k, depending on company match and investment performance. If you're looking for a realistic goal, then focus on the Middle column all down the chart.

Is 3 million in 401(k) enough to retire? ›

Yes, retiring early with $3 million is possible. If you plan to retire at 55, you will have to account for 11 additional years of expenses and 11 fewer years of income compared to retiring at 66. However, with careful planning, $3 million can provide a comfortable retirement starting at 55.

At what age is 401k withdrawal tax free? ›

401(k) withdrawals after age 59½

Once you reach 59½, you can take distributions from your 401(k) plan without being subject to the 10% penalty. However, that doesn't mean there are no consequences. All withdrawals from your 401(k), even those taken after age 59½, are subject to ordinary income taxes.

Can I have both 401k and Roth IRA? ›

You can have both a Roth IRA and a 401(k) — or another type of employer-sponsored plan such as a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA, depending on what your employer offers — but each account has its own annual contribution limit.

How much will a Roth IRA grow in 20 years? ›

If you contribute 5,000 dollars per year to a Roth IRA and earn an average annual return of 10 percent, your account balance will be worth a figure in the region of 250,000 dollars after 20 years.

How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA if I also have a 401k? ›

You can split your annual elective deferrals between designated Roth contributions and traditional pre-tax contributions, but your combined contributions can't exceed the deferral limit - $22,500 in 2023; $20,500 in 2022; $19,500 in 2021 ($30,000 in 2023; $27,000 in 2022; $26,000 in 2021 if you're eligible for catch-up ...

Should I split my 401k between Roth and traditional? ›

Should You Split Contributions Between a Roth and Traditional Account? Splitting contributions between a Roth and traditional account can allow you to get some tax benefit today while hedging somewhat against higher tax rates in the future.

Do Roth 401k contributions count towards 401k limit? ›

The contribution limits are the same for traditional and Roth 401(k) accounts. A designated Roth 401(k) is considered a subaccount of your traditional 401(k), one that allows you to contribute post-tax dollars.

Can you contribute $6,000 to both Roth and traditional IRA? ›

For 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the total contributions you make each year to all of your traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs can't be more than: $6,000 ($7,000 if you're age 50 or older), or. If less, your taxable compensation for the year.

Can I max out my 401k and IRA? ›

You can invest in both accounts up to annual IRS limits. For 2024, the maximum is $23,000 for a 401(k) and $7,000 for an IRA. Depending on your age and income, your Roth IRA limit may differ.

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