Backdoor Roth · Form 8606
Before the conversion looks clean, check the pro-rata denominator.
A backdoor Roth can look simple until a rollover, SEP, SIMPLE, or traditional IRA balance sits in the December 31 aggregate. GlidePath shows the Form 8606 trail: nondeductible basis, conversion amount, year-end IRA balance, taxable result, and basis carried forward.
Shows the result under the facts entered. It does not direct a rollover or conversion.
The most important number is the one people forget.
The December 31 IRA aggregate is where many backdoor-Roth mistakes start. The app puts that input in the open and shows how it changes the taxable result.
The page is deliberately receipt-like. It does not say that a conversion is available, advisable, or clean. It shows the Form 8606-shaped math so the user and preparer can see whether the pro-rata rule changes the expected result.
Designed to catch the quiet failure mode.
Year-end balance is first-class
The estimator asks for the December 31 traditional / rollover / SEP / SIMPLE IRA aggregate because that is the denominator the pro-rata calculation depends on.
Taxable and nontaxable pieces are separated
The result shows taxable conversion amount and basis carried forward rather than flattening everything into a pass/fail label.
No action language
GlidePath does not tell the user to roll funds into a 401(k), start a conversion, or avoid a conversion. It makes the tax consequence visible under the inputs provided.
GlidePath estimates the pro-rata result for review. It is not tax, legal, or investment advice and does not file Form 8606. Confirm the final conversion reporting with a qualified tax professional.
Backdoor Roth pro-rata questions
Can GlidePath show the backdoor Roth pro-rata result?
Yes. It estimates the Form 8606 pro-rata result from nondeductible basis, conversion amount, and the December 31 aggregate traditional / rollover / SEP / SIMPLE IRA balance.
Which accounts are excluded from the pro-rata denominator?
The estimator calls out that Roth IRAs and employer plans such as 401(k)s are excluded from the IRA aggregate. Traditional, rollover, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA balances are included.
Does GlidePath tell me to roll money into a 401(k) first?
No. It shows the taxable result and basis carried forward under the facts entered. It does not direct rollovers, conversions, timing, or account moves.