Federal rules for readers across the U.S.
Roth IRA Contribution Limits 2026
Educational information only, not personalized tax, legal, or investment advice. Christian is a licensed insurance agent (NC Life & Health), not a CPA or registered investment adviser. Discuss your own situation with a qualified professional.
The 2026 limits
The IRA limit for 2026 is $7,500 if you are under 50, and $8,600 if you are 50 or older, which includes a $1,100 catch-up. The limit applies per person, not per account, and it covers all your traditional and Roth IRAs combined. You also need at least that much taxable compensation for the year. The figures come from IRS Notice 2025-67, published November 13, 2025.
The income phase-outs
Your ability to contribute directly to a Roth IRA depends on modified adjusted gross income. For single filers and heads of household, the full contribution is available below $153,000, it shrinks between $153,000 and $168,000, and no direct contribution is allowed at $168,000 or more. For married couples filing jointly, the range is $242,000 to $252,000. Married filing separately has a $0 to $10,000 range. The IRS worksheet in Publication 590-A works out the exact reduced amount.
What to do if your income is too high
If your income is above the phase-out, a direct Roth IRA contribution is not allowed. Some people contribute to a traditional IRA and then convert it, which is often called a backdoor Roth IRA. That path has its own rules, including the pro-rata rule if you hold other pre-tax IRA money. It also creates a taxable event in the year of the conversion. This is educational information, not tax advice. Talk with a tax professional before using it.
| Your situation | The 2026 limit |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $7,500 |
| 50 or older | $8,600 |
| Single, full contribution | Modified AGI below $153,000 |
| Single, phased out | No direct contribution at $168,000 or more |
| Joint, full contribution | Modified AGI below $242,000 |
| Joint, phased out | No direct contribution at $252,000 or more |
Your records checklist
- Confirm your taxable compensation covers the amount you plan to contribute.
- Check your modified AGI against the phase-out range for your filing status.
- Remember the $7,500 covers all your IRAs combined, not each one.
- Note the deadline: April 15, 2027 for 2026 contributions.
- If you already contributed and your income came in too high, ask a tax professional about fixing it before the deadline.
Common questions
- Can I contribute to a Roth IRA and a 401(k) in the same year?
- Yes. The IRA and 401(k) limits are separate, so a 401(k) does not reduce your Roth IRA limit. Your income still has to fit the Roth phase-out.
- Is there an age limit for Roth IRA contributions?
- No. There is no maximum age. You need taxable compensation, and your income has to fit the phase-out ranges.
- Does the limit apply per account or per person?
- Per person. The $7,500 or $8,600 is the total across every traditional and Roth IRA you own.
Sources and current instructions
Check the tax year and any later updates before acting. These are the primary sources used for this guide.