# Warren Buffett's Roth Conversion Math

> 63-year-old with $800,000 can avoid RMDs using Buffett's Roth trick.
- Title: Warren Buffett's Roth Conversion Math · 24/7 Wall St.
- Summary: 63-year-old with $800,000 can avoid RMDs using Buffett's Roth trick. A 63-year-old with $800,000 can convert to Roth IRA to avoid required minimum…
- Keywords: warren buffett, roth ira, required minimum distributions, tax conversion, social security, medicare, investment strategy, tax brackets, federal income tax, investment returns, 24/7 Wall St.
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/11/12/warren-buffett-paid-a-one-time-tax-to-convert-11-6-million-into-a-roth-heres-the-math-for-a-63-year-old-with-800000-who-wants-to-use-the-same-trick-to-never-have-to-think-about-rmds
- Author: AJ Tiarsmith
- Published: 2026-11-13T04:43:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: warren buffett, roth ira, required minimum distributions, tax conversion, social security, medicare, investment strategy, tax brackets, federal income tax, investment returns
## Warren Buffett's Roth Move
Warren Buffett paid a one-time tax to move $11.6 million from traditional retirement account into Roth IRA.

> After paying the one-time tax, both men saw their Roth accounts soar
## Roth vs Traditional IRA
Buffett held $20.2 million in Roth IRA with no required withdrawals until age 88.
## RMDs for Traditional IRA
Traditional IRA would require $1,474,453 withdrawal in 2019 and higher annual withdrawals.
## Conversion Threshold
Conversion limit lifted in 2010 for those earning under $100,000 annually.
## The Math
63-year-old with $800,00:00 in traditional IRA can avoid RMDs through Roth conversion.
## Plan 1: All at Once
Convert entire $800,000 in 2026 costs $257,016 with $153,300 in 37% tax bracket.
## Plan 2: Four Years
Four conversions before Social Security cost $203,586 with Medicare surcharges.
## Plan 3: Twelve Years
Twelve conversions of $90,000 each cost $216,746 with no 37% tax bracket.
## Roth Balance at 75
All plans end with $1,609,757 in Roth IRA with zero RMDs.
## Where Plans Fail
Higher returns favor early conversion; tax rates can change; ladder needs discipline.
## Bottom Line
Three strategies to avoid RMDs by 2026 with costs ranging from $203,586 to $257,016.
## Tax Impact
All conversions cost $203,586-$257,016 with Medicare surcharges and tax brackets.
## Roth at 75
All plans end with $1,609,757 in Roth IRA with zero RMDs.
## Key takeaway

A 63-year-old with $800,000 can convert to Roth IRA to avoid required minimum distributions by 2026, costing $203,586-$257,016 depending on strategy.