Why the agency match keeps you from ever hitting 100% Roth
TSP has no Roth version of the agency automatic 1% or matching contributions — every dollar of agency money lands in your traditional balance, no matter what you elect for your own contributions. Even someone who has contributed 100% Roth for their entire career still ends up with a meaningful traditional balance from match alone, and that balance is still subject to RMDs later.
Why draw order matters
Every dollar you withdraw from traditional TSP is taxable income; every dollar from Roth (assuming a qualified distribution) is tax-free. The order you draw from each bucket changes your taxable income year to year — which affects your tax bracket, IRMAA surcharges on Medicare premiums, and how much of your Social Security is taxed. Drawing Roth first keeps taxable income lower early on but leaves a larger traditional balance (and larger RMDs) later; drawing traditional first does the opposite. Proportional keeps the mix constant throughout.
RMDs override your draw-order preference
Once you turn 73, the IRS requires a minimum withdrawal from your traditional balance each year — this isn't optional, and it can't be satisfied with a Roth withdrawal instead. If your planned withdrawal (from either the 4% rule or a fixed amount) would come in under that year's RMD, your total withdrawal is pushed up to meet it. Roth TSP balances are exempt from this requirement during your lifetime.
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