Why might I do a Roth conversion before required minimum distributions begin?

Converting traditional IRA money to a Roth before age 73 can shrink the balance that will later be subject to mandatory RMDs – and RMDs can be a tax headache. Once they start, you're forced to withdraw and pay ordinary-income tax whether you need the money or not, and large RMDs can push you into higher brackets, increase the taxable portion of Social Security, and trigger IRMAA Medicare surcharges. By paying tax voluntarily during low-income years to move money into a Roth, you reduce future RMDs, gain tax-free growth, and leave a more flexible, tax-free inheritance. The strategy works best when you have years of lower income, cash outside the IRA to pay the conversion tax, and a long enough horizon for the Roth to grow. Plan the bracket-by-bracket amounts at wealthserene.com/tools/roth-conversion.