While you would be adding 10 points to your conversion cost,  your marginal rate after age 70 may be even higher. You will be adding SS income to your RMDs of your TIRA balance at that time. Your wife will also statistically survive you for around 11 years and her marginal rate as a single filer will be much higher than while both of you are living. But there are also other possible income factors such as if she will be working in the coming years and adding to her retirement plans balance, what other income sources from taxable investments you may have such as a DB pension etc. What you are doing is great, and the benefits of converting in the 22% bracket will be less, but could still be a benefit. You do not necessarily need to convert far into that bracket, but may want to convert 10-15k into it. Whatever plan you come up with will need to be revisited annually for changing circumstances. At 63 you will have to consider the IRMAA thresholds in your conversion analysis since your MAGI at that age determines your Medicare premium at 65. That could be treated as part of your marginal tax rate. You also need to add in your state income tax unless your state does not have one, and state income tax changes if you plan to move to another state later on. In short, maybe you should convert somewhat more this year if further analysis so indicates that your marginal rate after 70 will be more than 22.

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