Roth TSP differences

The Roth TSP differs from a normal TSP account in one important way:  taxes.  Specifically, when the taxes happen. In a TSP account, contributions are removed from your income before that income money is taxed.  This lowers your tax bill each year you contribute.  The taxes are applied when the money is removed in retirement, meaning you receive less money in retirement.

In the Roth TSP, contributions are removed from your income after that income money is taxed.  You tax bill doesn't drop each year like normal TSP.  Instead, money is removed tax-free in retirement, meaning you receive more money in retirement.

Determining which is right for you is a personal decision, guided by both when in life you expect to need the 'tax break' and also by how your current tax bracket will compare to your future tax bracket. The link below may help.

   https://www.tsp.gov/PlanParticipation/EligibilityAndContributions/TaxTreatment/comparisonMatrix.html