Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

For years, people have been told to take advantage of company-sponsored plans when saving for retirement. And while that's generally good guidance, especially if the company does some form of matching contribution, it can get tricky the closer you get to retirement. This calculator can help you start to see the pros and cons of taxable and tax-deferred accounts.

Tax-Deferred Account

Enter your expected contributions and returns for a tax-deferred retirement account (like a Traditional IRA or 401(k)).

These are example values. Update them to reflect your personal situation.

Annual Contribution (Tax-Deferred)

$0 $50,000

Years to Grow (Tax-Deferred)

years

Annual Rate of Return (%)

Expected Tax Bracket During Retirement

Taxable Account

Enter your expected contributions and returns for a taxable investment account (like a brokerage account).

Annual Contribution (Taxable)

$0 $50,000

Years to Grow (Taxable)

years

Annual Rate of Return (%)

Tax Bracket While Contributing

For years, people have been told to take advantage of company-sponsored plans when saving for retirement. And while that's generally good guidance—especially if the company does some form of matching contribution—it can get tricky the closer you get to retirement. This calculator can help you start to see the pros and cons of taxable and tax-deferred accounts.

Your Results

Entering retirement with multiple sources of income can help some, but it may not be a best fit for all. What's best for you will depend on a variety of factors, including when you're considering drawing Social Security benefits.

Tax-deferred account leaves you with more after taxes.

Tax-Deferred Account Results

Future Value (Pre-Tax)

Future Value (After-Tax)

Taxable Account Results

Future Value (After-Tax)

The Annual Rate of Return is a hypothetical example used for illustrative purposes only. It is not representative of any specific investment or combination of investments. This worksheet provides estimates based on certain assumptions, including Expected Tax Bracket During Retirement and Tax Bracket While Contributing. Please work with your tax, legal, or accounting professional for tax bracket information. The rate of return on investments will vary over time, particularly for longer-term investments. Investments that offer the potential for high returns also carry a high degree of risk. Actual returns will fluctuate.

Once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your 401(k), traditional IRA or any other defined contribution plan in most circumstances. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.