Convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA that offers tax-deferred growth and potentially tax-free withdrawals once you reach retirement.
Effective January 1, 2010, you can convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA regardless of your income level. Prior to 2010, individuals or couples with modified adjusted gross income in excess of $100,000 were ineligible to convert retirement savings to a Roth IRA.
When you convert to a Roth IRA, you must pay income tax on the otherwise taxable amount of the transfer. To maximize the benefits of conversion, the money to pay those taxes should come from a source outside the Traditional IRA you are converting. You may convert your Traditional IRA over several years to manage the tax consequences.