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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/teen-tax-roth-after-tax

With a Roth IRA, when do you pay tax on the money you put in?

Before, with after-tax dollars. Qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free.

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  1. Before it goes in, using after-tax dollars ✔
  2. When you withdraw it at 65
  3. Never, it is always tax-free

Why: Roth contributions are not tax-deductible. You pay tax up front, and income earned plus qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free.

Huh, didn't know that: Income earned on a Roth account, from interest, dividends or capital gains, is generally tax-free too.

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Where is the place to negotiate with the IRS? At the tax table.
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References

Answer: Before it goes in, using after-tax dollars. Roth contributions are not tax-deductible. You pay tax up front, and income earned plus qualified withdrawals are generally tax-free.

  1. Investor.gov: Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) www.investor.gov/introduction-investing/investing-basics/investment-accounts/tax-advantaged-accounts/retirement-savings/individual-retirement-accounts-iras
    Contributions are not tax-deductible but are made with after-tax dollars.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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