I’m a big Roth IRA proponent, so it’s actually tough to write about the reasons not to go Roth. But, as with any other financial decision, there are drawbacks that must be addressed. When I say “Roths,” I’m talking about Roth conversions as opposed to Roth contributions. Roth conversions have no income limits, and there are no limits on how much can be converted. Clients can convert all they wish as long as they can pay the income tax.

Before I begin, though, let the record show that I am still a big Roth IRA fan because of the two biggest of its long-term benefits:

1. It offers tax-free distributions in retirement (including tax-free stretch Roth IRAs for heirs).

2. It has no lifetime required minimum distributions (RMDs) when clients reach age 70 1/2.

Roth IRAs also remove clients’ uncertainty about the future of taxes, including possible higher taxes that could affect their retirement savings.

Younger savers with Roths have the benefit of decades of tax-free compounding. Without exception, it’s a good idea for younger savers.

Who Should Not Convert To A Roth IRA?

But there are exceptions for everybody else. Here are 12 factors to consider before advising a Roth conversion:

1. The Up-Front Tax Bill

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