Make Taxes Fair | Educational Articles

Why Business Owners Should Care About Roth IRAs

Written by Chris Middleton | Jun 19, 2025 8:28:42 PM

Imagine this: You're sitting at your favorite coffee shop, laptop closed, sipping your drink, while your investments quietly grow in the background, tax-free. No future IRS surprise bills. No stress about rising tax rates. No sleepless nights wondering if you saved enough for retirement.

That’s the quiet superpower of a Roth IRA.

But here’s the catch: Most business owners either don’t know about it, or they assume it’s “not for people like me.”

The truth?

A Roth IRA might be the smartest, most strategic move you can make, especially as an entrepreneur.

Because when you run a business, your income can rise fast. And so can your tax bill.

By using a Roth IRA now, even while your business is still growing, you can lock in a future stream of completely tax-free money, no matter how high taxes climb later.

  •  It’s simple to set up.

  •  It’s easy to fund, even with small amounts.

  •  And it builds the kind of wealth that gives you real choices not just in retirement, but long before.

At Make Taxes Fair, we believe taxes shouldn’t be a source of fear or frustration.
Instead, there should be a system you use to your advantage legally, ethically, and confidently to manage and optimize your tax situation by paying less taxes overall.

And learning how to use a Roth IRA properly is one of the most powerful tools in that system.

Today, we’ll break it down simply, clearly, and step-by-step so you can start protecting your profits and building your future tax-free, starting right now.

What Is a Roth IRA? (Foundational Education)

Let’s strip away the confusion and jargon. A Roth IRA is simply a special type of retirement account designed to give you a powerful advantage: the ability to grow your investments completely tax-free and take the money out later without owing a dime to the IRS.

It’s not just a retirement plan. It’s a tax shelter one of the last truly legal ones left for everyday Americans.

Here’s how it works in plain English:

  • You contribute money you’ve already paid taxes on (after-tax dollars).

  • Your money grows inside the account, investment earnings are never taxed again.

  • When you retire (or meet certain rules), you can withdraw your contributions and earnings tax-free.

It’s like planting a fruit tree in your backyard:

You pay for the seed upfront (you pay tax on the contribution), but every apple it grows for the rest of your life? They’re all yours. The IRS doesn’t get a bite. That’s the beauty of tax-free growth.

 How a Roth IRA is Different from a Traditional IRA

Feature

Traditional IRA

Roth IRA

Contributions

Pre-tax (may be deductible)

After-tax (no deduction)

Taxes on Growth

Tax-deferred (pay taxes when withdrawn)

Tax-free forever

Taxes on Withdrawals

Pay regular income tax on distributions

No taxes if qualified

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Must start at age 73

No RMDs during lifetime

 

 Key Roth IRA Features to Know:

  • Tax-Free Growth: Once your money is in a Roth IRA, all gains, interest, dividends, capital gains grow without ever facing taxes again. That includes:

    • Dividends

    • Capital gains

    • Any reinvested profits

  • Tax-Free Withdrawals: After age 59½ and after holding the account for 5 years, all withdrawals (contributions + earnings) are tax-free.

  • No RMDs: Unlike a Traditional IRA, you aren’t forced to start taking money out at a certain age. Your money can keep growing tax-free for as long as you want. This makes Roth IRAs especially powerful for legacy planning and long-term strategy.

  • Flexibility: You can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) at any time without taxes or penalties, making Roth IRAs more flexible than most retirement accounts.

 Simple Analogy: T

Think of a Roth IRA like buying a house where you pay the taxes upfront (think closing costs), but all the future appreciation the equity, the increase in value is yours, free and clear. No property taxes on the gains. No IRS knocking later.

Bottom Line:

A Roth IRA lets you:

  • Pay taxes now, when you can often control or lower your rates.

  • Grow your wealth shielded from future tax hikes.

  • Create a pool of completely tax-free money for your future lifestyle, your family, or your next big opportunity.

How a Roth IRA Saves You Money (Short-Term and Long-Term)

When it comes to tax planning, it’s easy to only think about "this year." But real wealth and real freedom come from smart moves that pay off both now and later.

A Roth IRA does exactly that.

Here’s how:

 Short-Term Benefits:

 Access Contributions Anytime, Penalty-Free

  • You can always withdraw the money you put into your Roth IRA, without taxes or penalties.

  • This makes Roth IRAs far more flexible than 401(k)s, Traditional IRAs, or pensions.

Example:

  • You contribute $5,000 to a Roth IRA this year.

  • Next year, an emergency comes up, you can pull out that $5,000 without taxes or penalties (but not the investment growth unless you meet certain conditions).

Bonus Flexibility for Business Owners

  • Roth IRAs can act as a "hidden emergency fund" while still growing for your future.

  • Helps manage cash flow while still locking in long-term tax benefits.

 Long-Term Benefits:

 Completely Tax-Free Growth and Withdrawals

  • Once you meet the 5-year rule and reach age 59½, all your withdrawals, contributions, and investment gains are 100% tax-free.

Imagine:

  • You invest $7,000 today.

  • It grows to $70,000 over 25 years.

  • When you retire, you take out the full $70,000 and pay $0 in taxes.

 Protection Against Future Tax Increases

  • Roth IRAs future-proof your wealth.

  • No matter what happens with Congress, tax rates, or laws, your Roth IRA withdrawals stay tax-free.

 Greater Legacy Planning

  • You can leave Roth IRA money to your heirs tax-free (with certain rules).

  • Unlike Traditional IRAs, no RMDs during your lifetime = more control over when and how your wealth is used.

 Real-World Roth Impact Example:

Scenario

Traditional IRA

Roth IRA

Invest $7,000 at age 35

Invest $7,000 at age 35

 

Grows to $70,000 at 60

Grows to $70,000 at 60

 

Pay 25% tax on withdrawal ($17,500)

Pay $0 tax on withdrawal

 

Net in your pocket = $52,500

Net in your pocket = $70,000

 

 

Result: Roth IRA saves you $17,500 and gives you 100% tax-free access to your money.

 Bottom Line:

  •  Roth IRAs provide short-term flexibility and long-term tax-free wealth.

  •  The sooner you start, the more tax-free gains you can lock in.

  • It’s not just retirement planning, it’s smart business and smart life planning.

Who Can Contribute to a Roth IRA? (Eligibility Factors)

Let’s talk about something that confuses a lot of business owners: Who can actually contribute to a Roth IRA? And what happens if you make “too much money”?

Roth IRAs are designed with income limits because the IRS wants to prevent high earners from stashing too much tax-free wealth without some restrictions. But here’s the good news:

f you understand the rules and work with a smart strategy, there’s almost always a way to take advantage of Roth IRAs, even if your income is over the limit.

Let’s break it down:

 1. Income Limits for 2025

For the 2025 tax year contributions:

Filing Status

Full Contribution Income Limit

Phase-Out Range

Single

Up to $150,000

$150,000 – $165,000

Married Filing Jointly

Up to $236,000

$236,000 – $246,000

 

Here’s what those numbers mean:

  • If your MAGI is under the full contribution limit:

    • You can contribute the maximum amount for the year:

      • $7,000 (under age 50)

      • $8,000 (age 50+ includes $1,000 catch-up)

  • If your MAGI falls within the phase-out range:

    • You can make a partial contribution based on how close you are to the upper limit.

  • If your MAGI is above the phase-out limit:

    • You can’t contribute directly to a Roth IRA…

    • ...but you still have options (see the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy below).

 2. How Contributions Work

Contributing to a Roth IRA is straightforward once you understand a few key rules about income type and tax treatment.

What counts as eligible income?

  • W-2 wages (from your job or your S-Corp)

  • Self-employment income (from your sole proprietorship, LLC, or side hustle)

  • Alimony (if received under certain agreements)

What doesn’t count?

  • Passive rental income

  • Dividends or capital gains from investments

  • Pension or Social Security payments

  • Interest income

In short: To contribute, you must have earned income from active work, not passive sources.

Tip for Business Owners:

If you own an S-Corp, your W-2 salary is earned income, you’re good to go.
If you’re a sole proprietor or LLC owner, your net self-employment income qualifies.

And yes, even if you earn only $7,000 this year, you can still contribute that full amount to a Roth IRA, as long as it’s from eligible income.


 3. What If Your Income Is Too High? (The Backdoor Roth IRA Solution)

Here’s where smart tax planning kicks in.

If your income is above the Roth IRA limit, you’re not locked out, you just have to take the back door. It’s perfectly legal, widely used, and IRS-approved when done correctly.

How a Backdoor Roth IRA works:

  1. Contribute to a Traditional IRA (non-deductible).

  2. Convert that amount into a Roth IRA.

  3. Pay taxes only on any earnings that occurred between contribution and conversion.

It’s a detour, but the end result is the same: your money ends up in a Roth IRA, where it grows and can be withdrawn tax-free.

Important:

You must file IRS Form 8606 to document:

  • Your non-deductible Traditional IRA contribution

  • Your conversion to a Roth IRA

Failing to file this form can lead to double taxation, which defeats the purpose, so make sure your tax preparer knows what you’re doing.

Bottom Line:

  • If you qualify by income, contribute directly.

  • If you’re over the limit, use the Backdoor Roth IRA.

  • Either way, there’s almost always a way to build your tax-free future.

Roth IRAs are one of the few truly legal tax shelters left; use them wisely and strategically.

Audit Protection: Best Practices When Using a Roth IRA

Smart business owners don’t just save money they build a fortress around it.

When it comes to Roth IRAs, the IRS isn’t out to get you for using tax-saving tools. In fact, the government created Roth IRAs to reward long-term savers. But this is key they expect you to play by the rules. That means keeping excellent records, following contribution guidelines, and steering clear of prohibited actions that could disqualify your account.

Think of audit protection like insurance for your financial future. It doesn’t take a ton of work, but a little intention today could save you thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) in the future.

Here’s exactly what to do:

 1. Keep Clear Contribution Records

Every Roth IRA contribution you make needs to be backed up by clean documentation. The IRS doesn’t just take your word for it.

Make it a habit to save:

  • Bank transfer confirmations: Screenshots or PDF receipts showing funds moving from your personal account to your Roth IRA.

  • IRA account statements: These show deposit dates, amounts, and which tax year each contribution was applied to.

  • Form 5498: Sent by your IRA custodian each May, this summarizes your contributions for the prior tax year.

You don’t need to submit these forms with your taxes, but if the IRS ever comes knocking, you’ll want them in reach.

Why It Matters:
Without proof of contributions, you can lose the ability to prove eligibility, track the 5-year rule, or defend your position in an audit. Lack of documentation could trigger penalties, disallowed contributions, or forced distributions.

 2. File IRS Form 8606 (If Needed)

If you're using a Backdoor Roth IRA, or making non-deductible Traditional IRA contributions, Form 8606 is non-negotiable.

This form tells the IRS:

  • “I already paid taxes on this money,” and

  • “This Roth conversion should not be taxed again.”

Failing to file it doesn’t just invite an audit it can result in double taxation, where you pay tax both when the money goes in and again when it comes out.

Why It Matters:
It’s one of the most overlooked forms by DIY filers. Your tax preparer might miss it unless they’re experienced in working with small business owners and Roth strategies. Protect yourself by making sure it’s filed and saved.

Pro Tip:
Keep copies of every 8606 form in your permanent tax file. You may need them 10, 20, or even 30 years down the line.

 3. Respect Contribution Deadlines

Unlike SEP IRAs or Solo 401(k)s, Roth IRA contributions must be made by April 15 of the following tax year. Filing an extension for your business return does not extend the Roth IRA deadline.

Miss that April 15 window, and the opportunity for that year is gone forever.

Why It Matters:
Consistency matters. One missed year of contributions means one less year of compounding and less tax-free growth in retirement.

Pro Planning Tip:
Make Roth contributions part of your Q1 routine. Tie it to your business’s year-end financial review or your tax appointment. Set calendar reminders to fund before Tax Day.

 4. Avoid Prohibited Transactions

Roth IRAs are incredibly flexible but not limitless. Engaging in the wrong kind of transaction can disqualify the entire account, making the whole thing immediately taxable. That’s not a risk worth taking.

Avoid these prohibited moves:

  • Borrowing from your Roth IRA (it’s not a bank)

  • Using funds to buy a vacation home or collectibles

  • Investing in a business you or close family control

  • Buying real estate you plan to use personally

If you're tempted to use your IRA funds creatively, consult a specialist in self-directed IRAs first. They can help you avoid landmines and structure complex investments legally.

Why It Matters:
The IRS doesn’t just tax disqualified accounts they can retroactively tax all gains and add penalties. It’s a financial mess that can wipe out decades of growth in one letter.

 5. Stay Organized Year to Year

Audit-proofing isn’t a one-time event it’s a habit. Build a Roth IRA record-keeping system that’s simple and foolproof.

Create a Roth IRA Documentation Folder that includes:

  • Account setup confirmation

  • Contribution confirmations (by year)

  • Roth conversion summaries

  • Copies of Form 8606 and Form 5498

  • Annual statements showing investment performance

Why It Matters:
When the IRS audits, they don’t ask how good your memory is. They want paperwork. Having it ready means you can resolve any questions quickly and confidently.

Audit-Proofing Bonus:
Label each year’s contributions by tax year. This makes it easy to track the 5-year rule for withdrawals of earnings and conversions.

Why This Matters for Business Owners:

  • Focus: Makes Roth IRA compliance simple and stress-free.

  • Impact: Protects thousands to hundreds of thousands in future tax-free income.

  • React: Gives you exact, clear steps if ever questioned by the IRS.

  • Efficiency: Turns a potential audit into a non-event with organized records.

Bottom Line:

Keep your Roth IRA clean, compliant, and organized and you’ll enjoy one of the best tax-saving, wealth-building tools the IRS has ever allowed, without fear.

Because smart wealth isn’t just built, it’s protected.

Special Strategies: Business Owner Advantages with Roth IRAs

Most people think Roth IRAs are just for employees with W-2 jobs. But business owners? You have far more power than the average worker when it comes to using Roth IRAs to slash taxes and build long-term wealth.

As an entrepreneur, you control how you pay yourself. You choose your compensation structure. You can pair retirement strategies. And with smart planning, you can unlock Roth advantages most people don’t even know exist.

Here are the top strategies specifically designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners:

 1. Use Your Business Income to Qualify

One of the biggest myths around Roth IRAs is that business owners don’t qualify. The truth? You absolutely do as long as you have earned income.

The IRS requires that Roth IRA contributions come from earned income, not passive income. That means:

  • W-2 wages from your S-Corporation count.

  • Net profits from your sole proprietorship or LLC count.

  • Guaranteed payments from a partnership count too.

Whether you pay yourself $40,000 or $400,000, as long as you meet the income limits or use the Backdoor Roth strategy, you’re eligible.

Why It Matters:
Unlike investors who rely solely on dividends or rental income, business owners can create their earned income by choosing to take a salary. This gives you unique control over whether you qualify to fund a Roth IRA and how much.

Pro Tip:
If you run an S-Corp, the IRS expects you to pay yourself a “reasonable salary.” Make sure that salary is high enough to support your Roth IRA contributions. Your tax strategist can help you find the sweet spot between salary and distributions.

 2. Combine Roth IRA + SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) Strategies

One of the most powerful financial advantages of being a business owner is the ability to combine different retirement accounts for compound tax benefits. Most people don’t realize it, but you can use a Roth IRA in combination with a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) to create a dual-engine strategy that:

  • Minimizes taxes today, and

  • Builds tax-free income for the future.

Think of it as a “both/and” approach, not “either/or.” You’re stacking tax benefits to win now and later.

How It Works:

Here’s how you can structure contributions across multiple plans:

  • Roth IRA (personal side):

    • Fund with after-tax dollars

    • Grows completely tax-free

    • Maximum for 2025: $7,000 (under 50) or $8,000 (50+)

  • SEP IRA (business side):

    • Fund with pre-tax business income

    • Tax deduction for the business

    • Contribution limit is up to 25% of compensation (max $69,000 for 2025)

  • Solo 401(k) (if self-employed with no employees):

    • Combine employee deferrals and employer profit sharing

    • Max limit also up to $69,000 (plus catch-up if age 50+)

    • Option to choose Roth Solo 401(k) for tax-free growth, or Traditional Solo 401(k) for tax deductions

Example:

Let’s say you’re a 42-year-old solopreneur earning $120,000 in net business income.

  • You contribute $7,000 to a Roth IRA from your personal funds.

  • You contribute $30,000 to your SEP IRA from your business profits (tax-deductible).

  • You could instead choose a Solo 401(k), contributing:

    • $23,000 as an “employee” deferral, and

    • $20,000 as a business owner (employer match), for a total of $43,000.

Result: You’ve legally moved tens of thousands of dollars out of taxable income, built both tax-deferred and tax-free wealth, and leveraged your business structure for massive retirement acceleration.

Why It Matters:

1. Tax Diversification
Having money in both tax-free (Roth) and tax-deferred (SEP/Solo 401(k)) accounts gives you options when you retire. You can strategically withdraw based on your income needs, tax brackets, or changing laws.

2. Flexibility in High-Earning Years
If your income spikes, using a SEP or Solo 401(k) can slash your taxable income while still allowing you to fund your Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) for future tax-free growth.

3. Accelerated Wealth Building
Instead of being limited to one retirement bucket, you supercharge your savings by using both types of accounts in tandem, multiplying your retirement impact.

3. Plan for Roth Conversions During Low-Income Years

Every business has seasons. Some are booming, and others are lean. Smart entrepreneurs use slower income years to convert Traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA and lock in lower tax rates while they can.

A Roth conversion means moving money from a pre-tax account (like a Traditional IRA or old 401(k)) into a Roth IRA. You’ll pay taxes on the converted amount now but then that money grows tax-free forever.

When to Consider This:

  • A down year in your business

  • A sabbatical or travel season

  • Pivoting to a new venture or scaling back operations

  • Selling real estate or depreciated assets that offset the tax hit

Why It Matters:
Roth conversions are one of the few legal ways to manipulate your tax bracket in your favor. Done correctly, they can save you tens of thousands in future taxes and diversify your retirement income sources.

Pro Tip:
Work with your tax strategist to map out small, strategic conversions over several years. This minimizes the tax bite and keeps your plan audit-proof.

4. Fund a Roth IRA for Your Spouse

Even if your spouse doesn’t work or earn income, the IRS still allows you to double your family’s Roth IRA contributions using what’s called a Spousal Roth IRA.

Here’s how it works:

  • You must file a joint tax return.

  • As long as you earn enough to cover both contributions, you can fund a Roth IRA in your spouse’s name.

  • For 2025, you could contribute:

    • $7,000 if they’re under 50

    • $8,000 if they’re 50 or older

Impact:
If you’re both under 50, that’s $14,000 per year going into tax-free growth. Over 20 years, with even modest returns, that could grow into several hundred thousand dollars in tax-free retirement income.

Why It Matters:
This is one of the most overlooked ways to fast-track retirement savings. It also builds financial security for both spouses, even if only one is actively earning income.

Bottom Line:

Roth IRAs aren’t just for “someday.” When you run a business, they’re a strategic tool you can use right now to reduce taxes, build wealth, and plan for the kind of future you actually want.

Smart planning now = bigger tax-free income streams later.

And that’s the kind of strategy that doesn’t just grow your money it grows your freedom.

If you’re ready to integrate these Roth IRA moves into your broader tax and business plan, we can help. Because at Make Taxes Fair, we don’t just teach you how to save we show you how to win.


Common Mistakes to Avoid with Roth IRAs

Roth IRAs are one of the most powerful, flexible, and tax-efficient tools available to business owners, but that power comes with responsibility. Unlike traditional retirement accounts, Roth IRAs have strict rules about eligibility, contributions, and withdrawals. And if you miss a step? You could face costly penalties, missed growth opportunities, or IRS headaches.

But the good news? Most of these mistakes are 100% avoidable with the right knowledge upfront.

Here are the top mistakes you want to steer clear of:

1. Contributing When You’re Over the Income Limit

Problem: Roth IRAs have income caps. If your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds the annual IRS thresholds and you still contribute directly, that contribution becomes an “excess contribution.” The IRS can disallow it and hit you with a 6% penalty every year that the money sits there unfixed.

Solution:

  • Before contributing, check the current year’s income limits. For 2025, the full contribution limits phase out at:

    • $150,000–$165,000 for single filers

    • $236,000–$246,000 for married filing jointly

    If you’re over the limit, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You can still take advantage of Roth growth using the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy:

    • Step 1: Make a non-deductible contribution to a Traditional IRA.

    • Step 2: Convert it to a Roth IRA right away.

    • Step 3: File IRS Form 8606 to report the conversion.

    With the right steps and clean records, this strategy is 100% legal and often overlooked by traditional advisors.

 2. Forgetting the 5-Year Rule

Problem:  Most people believe they can take money out of their Roth IRA tax-free after turning 59½. But there’s a second rule you must meet: the 5-Year Rule.

If you haven’t held your Roth IRA for at least five tax years, your earnings aren’t eligible for tax-free withdrawal even if you’re over 59½. That could mean unexpected taxes or penalties.

Solution:

  • Start your first Roth IRA as early as possible, even a small contribution starts the clock.

  • Track your account’s opening date carefully.

Pro Tip: Each new Roth IRA contribution doesn’t reset the 5-year clock it's based on when you opened your first Roth IRA account.

3. Early Withdrawal of Earnings Without a Qualified Exception

Problem: One of the benefits of a Roth IRA is that you can withdraw your original contributions at any time, tax and penalty-free. But if you withdraw investment earnings early before age 59½ and before satisfying the 5-year rule you’ll likely owe:

  • Regular income tax

  • A 10% early withdrawal penalty

Solution:

  • Only withdraw your original contributions if needed early.

  • Leave earnings untouched until you meet the age and timing rules.

Bonus Tip: Certain exceptions (like first-time home purchase, disability, or qualified education expenses) may allow early earnings withdrawals without penalties, but plan carefully!

4. Missing or Misfiling Form 8606 for Backdoor Roths

Problem: When using a Backdoor Roth IRA, failing to file IRS Form 8606 is one of the most common and expensive paperwork mistakes. Without it, the IRS treats the conversion as fully taxable even though you already paid taxes on the contribution. That means double taxation on the same dollars.

Solution:

  • Always file Form 8606 with your tax return the year you make a non-deductible contribution or conversion.

  • Keep clean documentation for your records.

Impact: This simple step protects you from costly IRS mistakes down the road.

5. Not Documenting Contributions and Conversions Properly

Problem: Without solid documentation, you might lose the ability to prove your contributions were qualified or tax-free.

Solution:

  • Create a Roth IRA documentation folder (digital or physical). Include:
    • Annual contribution statements

    • Bank transfer confirmations

    • IRS Form 5498 (shows contributions, issued by your custodian)

    • IRS Form 8606 (for non-deductible contributions or conversions)

  • Label each year’s contributions clearly so you can easily track:
    • Which funds are contributions (withdrawable anytime)

    • Which funds are earnings (subject to withdrawal rules)

    • Which years apply for your 5-year rule tracking

Audit-Proof Tip: Being organized now turns a future IRS inquiry into a 10-minute paperwork drill not a panic attack.

Bottom Line:

Roth IRAs offer one of the greatest tax-free growth opportunities available but only if you manage them carefully. Avoiding these simple mistakes protects your savings, your peace of mind, and your financial future.

Because building wealth is about playing smart, not just working hard.

Action Steps: How to Set Up and Start Winning with a Roth IRA

Knowing how a Roth IRA works is important, but putting that knowledge into action is where the real transformation happens.

The truth is, too many business owners leave powerful tax-saving tools like Roth IRAs on the sidelines simply because they don’t know where to begin. But starting a Roth IRA doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with just a few clear steps, you can have a fully operational, audit-proof, tax-free wealth builder working for you today.

Here’s exactly how to set it up and start making it work for your future.

Let’s get it done:

 Step 1: Check Your Income

Before anything else, figure out if you can contribute directly or if you need to take the Backdoor Roth route.

Start by estimating your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for the current tax year (2025). This includes your wages, business profits, investment income, and other income sources, minus certain deductions.

For 2025, here are the Roth IRA income thresholds:

Filing Status Full Contribution Phase-Out Range
Single Under $150,000 $150,000–$165,000
Married Filing Jointly Under $236,000 $236,000–$246,000

 

  • If you’re below the limit: You can contribute the full amount directly to a Roth IRA.

  • If you fall within the phase-out range: You can still contribute, but your limit is reduced.

  • If you’re above the range: You’ll need to use the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy (contribute to a Traditional IRA, then convert to Roth).

Pro Tip: Use tax software or your accountant to calculate your MAGI accurately, especially if you’re a business owner with multiple income streams.

Step 2: Set Your Contribution Goal

Roth IRA contributions are capped annually, but consistency beats size when it comes to wealth building.

Age

2025 Contribution Limit

Under 50

$7,000

50+

$8,000 (includes $1,000 catch-up)

 

Ask yourself:

  • What can I afford to contribute this year?

  • Will I contribute monthly, quarterly, or in a lump sum?

Why This Matters:
Many people hesitate to start unless they can “max out” their contribution. But you don’t need to hit the limit to win. Even small, consistent contributions $100–$300 per month, add up to tens (or hundreds) of thousands over time, all tax-free.

Step 3: Open Your Roth IRA Account

Opening a Roth IRA is easier than ever, and you don’t need to go through a financial advisor or bank branch. Many top-tier platforms offer Roth IRAs with simple interfaces and strong investment choices.

Choose a trusted, low-cost provider:

  • Fidelity

  • Vanguard

  • Charles Schwab

  • E*Trade

  • Other reputable brokerage firms

 Look for:

  • No maintenance fees

  • Low-cost investment options (index funds, ETFs)

 Action:  Opening an account usually takes 15–30 minutes online. Most platforms will walk you through the setup and help you select your initial investments.

Step 4: Set Up Funding

Once your account is open, you need to fund it and the best way is through automated contributions.

  • Link your bank account.

  • Set up automatic contributions (even $100–$500/month is powerful).

  • Set reminders to review contributions each quarter.

Why It Works: Automated investing removes the mental friction of “timing the market” and builds the savings habit. And over time, this consistency helps smooth out market volatility through dollar-cost averaging.

Pro Tip: Even if your income fluctuates, set a base minimum you know you can commit to and adjust up when revenue grows.

 Step 5: Organize Your Documentation

This is where most people drop the ball and where you can stand out as a proactive, audit-ready business owner.

Create a dedicated Roth IRA documentation folder, either digital (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) or physical.

Include:

  • Account setup paperwork

  • Annual contribution confirmations

  • Roth IRA account statements

  • IRS Form 5498 (sent by your provider each year showing contributions)

  • IRS Form 8606 (if you’re doing a Backdoor Roth or non-deductible contribution)

Why It Matters:
If the IRS ever questions your Roth IRA, your tax-free status, or your contributions, having organized documentation ensures you’re covered. No scrambling. No stress.

Bottom Line:

In just a few simple steps, you can build one of the most powerful financial tools available to business owners and lock in years (even decades) of tax-free growth and financial freedom.

The best time to start? Yesterday.
The second-best time? Right now. 

Conclusion: Freedom Moves, Not Just Retirement Moves

Most people think a Roth IRA is "just" a retirement account.
A box to check off for someday.

But for business owners like you, it’s much more than that.

 It’s a freedom strategy.
  It’s a tax shelter that legally protects your future profits.
  It’s a wealth-building system that no future Congress or tax law change can take away from you.

Every dollar you contribute now is a decision:

  • To pay your taxes on your own terms.

  • To shield your future from unnecessary tax bills.

  • To build a financial foundation that gives you choices, not just after 65, but throughout your entire life.

At Make Taxes Fair, we believe freedom isn’t given.
It’s earned through clear planning, smart action, and powerful financial moves like using a Roth IRA.

You now have everything you need to get started:

  • A simple, actionable roadmap.

  • Clear audit protection strategies.

  • Real-world examples that show what’s possible.

 All that’s left is for you to act. Because the sooner you start, the more powerful your tax-free wealth can become.

Your Next Step:

  • Open your Roth IRA.

  • Start funding it even small amounts matter.

  • Build the habit. Build the system. Build the freedom.

Your future self will thank you, and so will your bank account.

Because when you stop overpaying the government,
  you start building real wealth on your terms.

Now it's time to take action. If you have any questions, reach out and start a conversation

Friends don’t let friends overpay the government.
Let’s make taxes fair and make freedom yours.