See your own Tax Avalanche

Most people spend forty years being told to defer their taxes. Almost no one is shown what happens when “later” finally arrives. Put in a few rough numbers and see what the government has lined up for you.

Your age todayUse your current age. We’ll figure out when your forced withdrawals begin.

Are you married or single?This matters more than people think. We’ll show you why.

Total in your pre-tax accounts401(k), traditional IRA, 403(b), and the like. Roth money does not count here.

Estimated annual Social SecurityFor the household, in today’s dollars.

Other annual income in retirementPension, part-time work, interest. Not Social Security or RMDs.

Assumed growth between now and thenAn assumption, not a promise. Pick what feels right to you.

Also worth checking: The Tax Avalanche shows what forced withdrawals do to your bracket — but there is a second hidden tax that hits your Social Security check directly. Every IRA withdrawal can drag part of your benefit into the tax with it. See whether it is aimed at you.

See my Social Security tax torpedo →

See your own Tax Avalanche

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