Microsoft Mega Backdoor Roth Conversion: How It Works

Microsoft’s mega backdoor Roth program is a powerful tool for maximizing your retirement fund. If you’re a high-earning Microsoft employee, this feature will give you additional tax-advantaged savings beyond the standard limits of a 401(k). Here’s how it works.

 

Key Takeaways

  • The Microsoft mega backdoor Roth allows high-income earners to contribute up to $34,500 beyond the standard limits of a 401(k).

  • Once after-tax contributions are converted into a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA, they grow tax-free.

  • High-income earners who would normally be ineligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA can use this program.

 

What Is the Microsoft Mega Backdoor Roth Program?

The mega backdoor Roth allows you to make after-tax contributions to your 401(k) beyond the usual pre-tax or Roth contribution limits. Once those after-tax contributions are made, you can convert them into a Roth 401(k) or roll them into a Roth IRA, thus enabling tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

This strategy is designed for high-income earners who are often restricted from directly contributing to a Roth IRA due to income limits. If you’re in this category, the mega backdoor Roth can help you build significant tax-free retirement savings.

 

How to Use the Microsoft Mega Backdoor Roth

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the mega backdoor Roth works at Microsoft.

1. Max Out Your 401(k) Contributions

For 2024, the annual limit for pre-tax and Roth 401(k) contributions is $23,000 ($30,500 for those aged 50 or older). Once you have reached the limit for your age group, you have maxed out your 401(k) contributions.

2. Make Additional After-Tax Contributions

Once you've reached the pre-tax or Roth contribution limits for your Microsoft 401(k), you can contribute up to $34,500 in additional after-tax contributions. These contributions are not subject to the same limits as pre-tax or Roth contributions.

3. Convert to Roth

After making after-tax contributions, you can convert these funds into a Roth account through either an in-plan Roth conversion (within your 401(k)) or by rolling the funds into a Roth IRA. This conversion must be handled carefully to avoid triggering taxes on any earnings generated before the conversion.

4. Tax-Free Growth and Withdrawals

Once the after-tax contributions are converted to a Roth account, all future growth on those contributions is tax-free. When you retire and begin withdrawing from the Roth account, both the original contributions and the growth will be tax-free.

 

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Benefits of the Mega Backdoor Roth for Microsoft Employees

Increased Contribution Limits

The mega backdoor Roth lets Microsoft employees contribute much more to a Roth account than the standard limits would normally allow. In 2024, Roth IRAs have an annual contribution limit of $7,000 ($8,000 for those over 50). By using the mega backdoor Roth, you can contribute up to $34,500 in after-tax contributions to your 401(k) on top of the normal pre-tax or Roth contributions​.

Tax-Free Growth

Once the after-tax contributions are converted to a Roth account, all future earnings on these contributions grow tax-free. Unlike traditional 401(k) accounts, where earnings are taxed upon withdrawal, Roth investments can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement. Over time, the compounding interest from these tax-free returns can significantly boost the total value of your retirement savings.

Tax-Free Withdrawals in Retirement

In addition to tax-free growth, all withdrawals from your Roth accounts in retirement are tax-free, as long as you meet the basic requirements (namely, being at least 59½ years old and having the account for at least five years). This is especially valuable if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement.

Flexibility and Tax Diversification

Another major benefit of the mega backdoor Roth is that it provides greater tax diversification. By having a mix of both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) retirement accounts, you gain more flexibility in managing your income and taxes during retirement. This allows you to withdraw from different "buckets," depending on your tax situation at the time.

Avoids Roth IRA Income Limits

Normally, high-income earners are phased out of contributing directly to a Roth IRA. For 2024, the income limits are $161,000 for single filers and $240,000 for married couples filing jointly​.  However, with the mega backdoor Roth, Microsoft employees can bypass these income restrictions by using their 401(k) plan to make after-tax contributions, which can then be converted to Roth funds. This makes the strategy particularly attractive for high-income earners who would otherwise be ineligible to contribute directly to a Roth IRA.

No Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

While traditional accounts require you to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 73, Roth accounts are exempt from this. You can let your Roth savings grow tax-free for as long as you want. This means you can customize your withdrawal strategy for maximum tax savings in retirement.

Tax Considerations

The mega backdoor Roth offers significant long-term advantages. However, there are several important tax considerations to keep in mind.

No Immediate Tax Deduction

Unlike pre-tax contributions, which lower your taxable income for the current year, after-tax contributions do not provide an immediate tax benefit. This means you’ll pay taxes on the income used to make these contributions in the year they are made. The real tax advantage comes later, when these contributions are converted to a Roth account and grow tax-free.

Taxation of Pre-Conversion Earnings

If your after-tax contributions generate earnings before you convert them to a Roth account, those earnings could be subject to taxes at the time of conversion. For example, if you make after-tax contributions and those contributions grow in value before the conversion, the growth (earnings) will be taxed as ordinary income when you convert them to a Roth account​.

PRO TIP: To avoid paying taxes on a large sum of earnings, it’s recommended to convert your after-tax contributions to Roth as soon as possible after making them. This minimizes the amount of earnings that could be taxed during the conversion process.

In-Plan Roth Conversion or Roth IRA Rollovers

Microsoft allows you to convert your after-tax contributions to a Roth 401(k) within the plan (called an "in-plan Roth conversion"). This means the conversion happens within your 401(k), and the funds stay in the employer-sponsored plan. During this process, only the earnings on your after-tax contributions may be subject to taxes​.

Alternatively, you can roll the after-tax contributions over to a Roth IRA. In this case, any earnings may also be taxable at the time of conversion, but moving the funds to a Roth IRA could offer more investment flexibility.

Avoiding Double Taxation

Always keep accurate records of your after-tax contributions to avoid double taxation. The amount you convert to Roth is typically tax-free, but the IRS requires that you clearly differentiate between the contributions (which have already been taxed) and any earnings (which may be subject to taxes if you don’t meet the requirements for tax-free withdrawal). If your records aren’t clear, you might mistakenly pay taxes twice — once when you make the contribution and again when you withdraw the funds.

Current vs. Future Tax Brackets

One of the key tax considerations with the mega backdoor Roth is understanding your current tax bracket versus your expected future tax bracket. If you are currently in a high tax bracket, it may make sense to pay taxes on your contributions now (through a Roth conversion) in order to withdraw them tax-free in retirement when you might be in a higher tax bracket. Conversely, those expecting to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement might want to stick with pre-tax contributions to defer taxes.

 

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Is the Microsoft Mega Backdoor Roth Right for You?

The mega backdoor Roth can be an excellent strategy for Microsoft employees, but it depends on your personal financial situation. This program works best for high-earning workers who have already maxed out their 401(k) contributions and are looking to save additional funds in a tax-advantaged account.

You might want to consider the mega backdoor Roth if:

  • You aren’t eligible for the Microsoft Deferred Compensation Plan yet.

  • You’ve already funded your short- and medium-term financial goals.

  • You have extra money to save each year and want to diversify your retirement savings between taxable and tax-free accounts.


A fiduciary financial advisor can help you decide if investing in the mega backdoor Roth program makes sense for you.

 

Get Help from the Trusted Team at TrueWealth

A mega backdoor Roth conversion may be the key to taking your retirement strategy to the next level. However, implementing this strategy can be challenging. That’s where TrueWealth Financial Partners can help.

Our team of trusted advisors is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you’re making the most of every opportunity to grow your wealth tax-efficiently.

Ready to get started? Schedule a free consultation today to find out how the mega backdoor Roth and other strategies can fit into your comprehensive financial plan. Let’s talk!

 

FAQs

Does Microsoft allow a Mega Backdoor Roth?

Yes, Microsoft offers the mega backdoor Roth option within its 401(k) plan. This means Microsoft employees can make after-tax contributions and convert them to a Roth 401(k) through an in-plan Roth conversion or roll the funds into a Roth IRA.

Who is eligible for the Microsoft Mega Backdoor Roth conversion?

To be eligible for the Microsoft mega backdoor Roth, you must first max out your pre-tax or Roth 401(k) contributions. After doing so, you can make after-tax contributions and convert them to a Roth account via an in-plan Roth conversion or by rolling them into a Roth IRA.

What are the limits on the Microsoft Mega Backdoor Roth?

In 2024, Microsoft employees can contribute up to $69,000 in total to their 401(k) (or $76,500 if they are aged 50 or older and eligible for catch-up contributions). This includes the standard pre-tax or Roth contributions, employer match, and the additional after-tax contributions.

How does the Mega Backdoor Roth impact my taxes?

While the mega backdoor Roth allows for tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement, you must be aware that any earnings on your after-tax contributions prior to conversion will be taxed when converted to a Roth account. To minimize this, it’s often recommended to convert contributions as quickly as possible after making them​.

How does the Mega Backdoor Roth interact with my existing Roth IRA or Roth 401(k)?

The mega backdoor Roth allows you to increase contributions to a Roth account even if you’ve already maxed out your regular Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) contributions. After-tax contributions made through this strategy do not count toward the standard Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) annual limits, allowing high-income earners to effectively bypass those restrictions​.

Can I split my after-tax contributions between a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k)?

Yes, you can choose to split after-tax contributions between a Roth 401(k) (via in-plan conversion) or roll them over to a Roth IRA. This flexibility allows you to optimize your tax strategy based on your individual retirement goals. Keep in mind that Roth IRAs have no RMDs, which may be an advantage for long-term planning​.

When can I withdraw funds from my Roth account without paying taxes?

To withdraw your earnings tax-free, the Roth account must be held for at least five years, and you must be at least 59½ years old. The contributions (principal) can be withdrawn tax-free at any time.

 

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