IRA fundamentals
How much can I contribute in 2026?
All figures are for tax year 2026, from IRS Notice 2025-67. These adjust for inflation most years and must be re-checked annually.
Contribution limits (2026)
- IRA contribution limit: $7,500 (up from $7,000 in 2025), combined across all traditional and Roth IRAs.
- Catch-up for age 50+: additional $1,100 (up from $1,000), for a total of $8,600.
- Contributions require taxable compensation (earned income) at least equal to the contribution; a non-working spouse can contribute via a spousal IRA based on the working spouse's compensation.
- The deadline for a 2026 contribution is the tax-filing deadline in April 2027 (not December 31).
Roth IRA contribution income limits (2026, MAGI)
| Filing status | Full contribution below | Phased out at |
|---|---|---|
| Single / head of household | $153,000 | $168,000 |
| Married filing jointly | $242,000 | $252,000 |
| Married filing separately | $0 | $10,000 |
Above the top of the range, direct Roth contributions are not permitted (the backdoor Roth conversion route remains available; conversions have no income limit).
Traditional IRA deduction income limits (2026, MAGI)
Anyone with compensation may contribute to a traditional IRA; income limits affect only the deduction, and only when covered by a workplace retirement plan:
| Situation | Full deduction below | No deduction above |
|---|---|---|
| Single, covered by workplace plan | $81,000 | $91,000 |
| MFJ, contributor covered | $129,000 | $149,000 |
| MFJ, contributor not covered, spouse covered | $242,000 | $252,000 |
| Married filing separately, covered | $0 | $10,000 |
| Not covered (neither spouse) | No limit — always deductible | — |
Nondeductible contributions are still allowed above these limits; they create after-tax basis reported on Form 8606 (relevant to the pro-rata rule on conversions).
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-07-02. Educational information, not tax or financial advice.