How to Choose a Tax Professional for Roth Conversion Planning

A Roth conversion is not simply a question of whether you can pay the tax. The amount and timing can affect marginal brackets, Medicare IRMAA, Social Security taxation, NIIT, state tax, and future required distributions.

Ask for multi-year modeling

A conversion decision is more useful when viewed across several tax years rather than in isolation.

Ask about IRMAA

Medicare income-related surcharges use a two-year lookback, so a conversion may affect future premiums.

Ask about withholding and estimated tax

The conversion may require additional payments to avoid surprises.

Coordinate with the investment advisor

The tax professional should help define the tax target while the advisor handles investment implementation.