Roth IRAs Have Transformed Into Big Tax Shelters for the Wealthy

I know you’re shocked to be reading that the tax code is being exploited by some gazillionaire to avoid paying their fair share. But let’s look at how a Roth IRA has turned into the go-to vehicle for sheltering billionaires’ billions in appreciation.

Turning a traditional retirement account into an empire-building Roth requires access to stock options that aren’t available to the general public. The solution is trivial in theory but is political poison: stricter income caps, limits on appreciation, and a tailor-made tax on Roth IRA withdrawals beyond a certain threshold.

First, a quick review of Roth IRAs. Whereas ...