19 Sep Can I put my RMD into a Roth IRA?

Q. Can I transfer my required minimum distribution (RMD) withdrawal from my IRA into my Roth account after paying taxes on the withdrawal?
— Investor

A. Sounds like you’re in the fortunate position not to need that RMD income.

That’s terrific.

But no, IRS regulations specifically prohibit conversion of a required minimum distribution (RMD) to a Roth IRA, even after paying taxes, said Michael Cocco, a certified financial planner with Beacon Wealth Partners in Nutley.

However, he said, there may be a couple other things you can do.

Once you pay taxes on the RMD and deposit those funds, you can use those funds to make a contribution to a new or existing Roth IRA as long as you meet certain conditions, Cocco said.

“For 2025, you must have enough income equal or greater to the contribution amount, but also have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of less than $150,000 if a single filer, or $236,000 as married joint filers, to fully fund your Roth IRA,” he said.

Once you exceed these MAGI income limits, the amount you can contribute is phased out and then eliminated altogether. Cocco recommends you speak with your tax advisor and/or financial advisor before contributing.

The maximum amount to fund a Roth IRA for 2025 is $7,000, or $8,000 if age 50 or older.

“Also, it is important to note that you must take your RMD first, before initiating any Roth conversion from your traditional IRA at a later date, so these are two independent actions,” Cocco said.

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This story was originally published in September 2025.

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