💰 How Much Can I Contribute to Roth IRA 2026?
Quick Answer
For 2026, you can contribute up to $7,500 to a Roth IRA if you're under 50, or $8,600 if you're 50 or older. These limits increased from $7,000 and $8,000 in 2025. However, your ability to contribute phases out at higher income levels: $153,000-$168,000 for single filers and $242,000-$252,000 for married couples filing jointly.
📊 2026 Roth IRA Contribution Limits at a Glance
Standard Limit
$7,500
Annual limit for individuals under age 50
Catch-Up Amount
+$1,100
Additional contribution if you turn 50 or older by Dec 31, 2026
Total (Age 50+)
$8,600
Maximum combined contribution for those 50 and older
Increase from 2025
+$500
Base limit rose from $7,000 to $7,500
⚙️ How Roth IRA Contribution Limits Work
The IRS sets annual contribution limits for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), including Roth IRAs, and adjusts them periodically for inflation. For 2026, the limit increased by $500 to $7,500, marking a significant adjustment from the 2025 limit of $7,000.
Key Rules to Know
- Combined IRA Limit: The $7,500 limit applies to your combined contributions to all Traditional and Roth IRAs. If you contribute $3,000 to a Traditional IRA, you can only contribute $4,500 to a Roth IRA.
- Age Calculation: You qualify for the catch-up contribution if you turn 50 by December 31, 2026, even if your birthday is on December 31st.
- Earned Income Required: You must have earned income (wages, salary, self-employment income) at least equal to your contribution amount.
- Contribution Window: You can make 2026 contributions from January 1, 2026 through April 15, 2027.
💵 2026 Income Limits for Roth IRA Contributions
Your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA depends on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). If your income exceeds certain thresholds, your contribution limit is reduced or eliminated entirely.
Single Filers and Head of Household
| Modified AGI (MAGI) | Contribution Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $153,000 | $7,500 (or $8,600 if 50+) | Full Contribution |
| $153,000 - $168,000 | Reduced (calculated) | Partial Contribution |
| $168,000 or more | $0 | Ineligible |
Married Filing Jointly
| Modified AGI (MAGI) | Contribution Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $242,000 | $7,500 (or $8,600 if 50+) | Full Contribution |
| $242,000 - $252,000 | Reduced (calculated) | Partial Contribution |
| $252,000 or more | $0 | Ineligible |
Married Filing Separately
If you're married filing separately and lived with your spouse at any time during the year, the phase-out range is $0 to $10,000 (this amount does not adjust annually).
🧮 How to Calculate Your Reduced Contribution
If your MAGI falls within the phase-out range, you can calculate your reduced contribution limit using this formula:
Reduced Limit = Maximum Limit × (Phase-Out Maximum - Your MAGI) / Phase-Out Range
Example Calculation
Scenario: You're 45 years old, single, and your 2026 MAGI is $160,000.
- Phase-out range: $153,000 to $168,000 (total range: $15,000)
- Your excess: $160,000 - $153,000 = $7,000
- Calculation: $7,500 × ($168,000 - $160,000) / $15,000 = $7,500 × $8,000 / $15,000 = $4,000
Result: You can contribute up to $4,000 to your Roth IRA in 2026.
💡 Real-World Examples
Example 1: Under 50, Full Contribution
Profile: Sarah, age 35, single, MAGI $120,000
- Eligibility: Full contribution (MAGI below $153,000)
- Maximum Contribution: $7,500
- Strategy: Sarah should contribute the full $7,500 to maximize tax-free growth.
Example 2: Age 50+, Catch-Up Eligible
Profile: Michael, age 52, married filing jointly, household MAGI $200,000
- Eligibility: Full contribution (MAGI below $242,000)
- Maximum Contribution: $8,600 ($7,500 + $1,100 catch-up)
- Spouse Contribution: If spouse also has earned income, they can contribute $8,600 separately (total $17,200)
Example 3: High Earner, Partial Contribution
Profile: Jennifer, age 42, single, MAGI $158,000
- Eligibility: Partial contribution (within $153,000-$168,000 range)
- Calculation: $7,500 × ($168,000 - $158,000) / $15,000 = $5,000
- Maximum Contribution: $5,000
- Alternative: Consider a backdoor Roth IRA strategy
Example 4: Over Income Limit
Profile: David, age 38, single, MAGI $185,000
- Eligibility: Ineligible for direct Roth IRA contribution (MAGI exceeds $168,000)
- Maximum Contribution: $0 (direct contribution)
- Alternative: Backdoor Roth IRA: Contribute to Traditional IRA (non-deductible) and convert to Roth
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Contributing to a Roth IRA when your income exceeds the limit results in an excess contribution penalty of 6% per year until corrected. Always check your projected MAGI before contributing.
The Roth IRA limit ($7,500) is separate from the 401(k) limit ($24,500 for 2026). You can maximize both if eligible. Don't leave Roth IRA contributions on the table thinking you've hit a combined limit.
While you have until April 15, 2027 to make 2026 contributions, waiting until the last minute means you miss out on months of tax-free growth. Contribute early in the year when possible.
Married couples can each contribute to their own Roth IRA (up to $17,200 combined if both are 50+), even if only one spouse has earned income, through a spousal IRA. Many couples miss this opportunity.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roth IRA contribution limit for 2026?
For 2026, the Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,500 if you're under age 50. If you're 50 or older, you can contribute up to $8,600 ($7,500 base + $1,100 catch-up contribution).
Did the Roth IRA limit increase from 2025 to 2026?
Yes. The limit increased by $500 from $7,000 in 2025 to $7,500 in 2026. The catch-up contribution for age 50+ also increased by $100, from $1,000 to $1,100. This represents the largest increase in several years.
What is the income limit to contribute to a Roth IRA in 2026?
For single filers, you can contribute the full amount if your MAGI is under $153,000. Contributions phase out between $153,000-$168,000. For married filing jointly, the full contribution is allowed under $242,000, phasing out between $242,000-$252,000.
Can I contribute to both Traditional and Roth IRA in 2026?
Yes, but the combined total cannot exceed $7,500 ($8,600 if age 50+). For example, if you contribute $4,000 to a Traditional IRA, you can only contribute $3,500 to a Roth IRA. The limit is shared across all your IRA accounts.
When is the deadline to make 2026 Roth IRA contributions?
You can make 2026 Roth IRA contributions from January 1, 2026 through April 15, 2027 (tax filing deadline). This extended window allows you to contribute even after the calendar year ends, giving you flexibility to maximize contributions based on your actual 2026 income.
✅ Conclusion
The 2026 Roth IRA contribution limit of $7,500 (or $8,600 for those 50 and older) represents a meaningful increase from 2025, giving retirement savers more opportunity to build tax-free wealth. Whether you can contribute the full amount depends on your income level, with phase-outs beginning at $153,000 for single filers and $242,000 for married couples filing jointly.
To maximize your Roth IRA benefits, contribute as early in the year as possible to take advantage of tax-free compound growth, verify your income eligibility before contributing to avoid penalties, and consider coordinating contributions with your spouse if married. If you're over the income limit, explore backdoor Roth IRA strategies with a qualified tax advisor.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information about 2026 Roth IRA contribution limits based on official IRS guidance. Tax rules and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for personalized advice regarding your specific situation. Contribution limits and income phase-out ranges are based on IRS Notice 2025-67 and are subject to change.