# The Backdoor Roth: Step-by-Step for High Earners
The Roth IRA income limit exists, but it has a legal workaround that the IRS has explicitly acknowledged. The backdoor Roth is not a loophole in any pejorative sense — it is a straightforward two-step process that converts a non-deductible traditional IRA contribution into a Roth IRA. Anyone can do it, regardless of income.
Who this is for
In 2026, Roth IRA direct contributions phase out at $150,000–$165,000 (single) and $236,000–$246,000 (married). Above these limits, you cannot contribute directly to a Roth IRA. The backdoor Roth eliminates this restriction.
The two-step process
**Step 1: Make a non-deductible traditional IRA contribution.** Contribute up to $7,000 (or $8,000 if 50+) to a traditional IRA. Do not take a deduction. This contribution is after-tax.
**Step 2: Convert to Roth.** Shortly after, convert the traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Because the contribution was non-deductible (after-tax), the conversion is generally tax-free if done promptly before any earnings accumulate.
The result: you now have $7,000 in a Roth IRA growing tax-free, regardless of your income.
The pro-rata rule trap
The backdoor Roth fails — or becomes taxable — if you have existing pre-tax traditional IRA balances. The IRS calculates the taxable portion of any conversion proportionally across all your traditional IRA assets, not just the account you are converting.
If you have $63,000 in a pre-tax traditional IRA and contribute $7,000 non-deductibly, you have $70,000 total traditional IRA assets. Converting $7,000 to Roth means 90% ($63K/$70K) of the conversion is taxable. The pro-rata rule severely penalizes the backdoor Roth for anyone with significant pre-tax IRA balances.
**The solution:** Roll pre-tax IRA balances into a current employer 401(k) before doing the backdoor Roth. Once the traditional IRA is zeroed out, the conversion is clean.
Interactive Model
Backdoor Roth Eligibility & Path Finder
Answer three questions to get your specific path and instructions.
Is your income above the Roth IRA limit? ($165K single / $246K married in 2026)
Income limits are 2026 figures. Always file Form 8606 for non-deductible IRA contributions. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
The mega backdoor Roth
If your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions (separate from regular pre-tax or Roth 401(k) contributions) and in-service distributions or in-plan conversions, you can do a mega backdoor Roth. The after-tax 401(k) limit is up to ~$46,000/year above the standard $23,500 deferral — a very large Roth conversion opportunity.
Not all 401(k) plans allow this. Check your Summary Plan Description for "after-tax contributions" and "in-service distribution" language.
Tax reporting
Non-deductible IRA contributions are reported on Form 8606 with your taxes each year. This is the paper trail proving your contributions were after-tax, which prevents double taxation when you later convert or withdraw. Never skip Form 8606 if you make non-deductible contributions.
---
*Related: [Roth vs. traditional](./roth-vs-traditional-tax-crossover) makes the case for why Roth is worth pursuing even at high income. [The Roth conversion ladder](./roth-conversion-ladder) is the strategy for accessing Roth funds before 59½ in early retirement.*