IRA Contribution Limits 2026
The 2026 IRA contribution limit is $7,500 ($8,600 if age 50+) — up from $7,000/$8,000 in 2025[1]. The Roth IRA income phase-out for 2026 begins at $153,000 for single filers and $242,000 for married filing jointly[1].
2025 vs 2026 IRS IRA Limits
| Limit | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution Limit (under 50) | $7,000 | $7,500 | +$500 |
| Catch-Up Contribution (Age 50+) | $1,000 | $1,100 | +$100 |
| Total Limit (Age 50+) | $8,000 | $8,600 | +$600 |
| Roth Phase-Out Start (Single) | $150,000 | $153,000 | +$3,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out End (Single) | $165,000 | $168,000 | +$3,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out Start (MFJ) | $236,000 | $242,000 | +$6,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out End (MFJ) | $246,000 | $252,000 | +$6,000 |
| Trad. IRA Deduction Phase-Out (Single, workplace plan) | $79K-$89K | $81K-$91K | +$2,000 |
| Trad. IRA Deduction Phase-Out (MFJ, contributor covered) | $126K-$146K | $129K-$149K | +$3,000 |
💡 Over the Income Limit? Use the Backdoor Roth IRA
If your 2026 income exceeds $168,000 (single) or $252,000 (married), you can't contribute directly to a Roth IRA. But you can still use the Backdoor Roth: contribute to a non-deductible Traditional IRA → then immediately convert it to Roth. This is 100% legal and widely used by high earners. Beware the pro-rata rule if you have existing Traditional IRA balances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRA contribution limit for 2026?▼
For 2026, the annual IRA contribution limit is $7,500 for both Traditional and Roth IRAs combined, up from $7,000 in 2025. If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution, for a total of $8,600 in 2026 (up from $8,000 in 2025). This limit is shared across all your IRAs — for example, you could contribute $4,000 to a Traditional IRA and $3,500 to a Roth IRA in the same year. Source: IRS Notice N-25-67.
What are the Roth IRA income limits for 2026?▼
For 2026, the Roth IRA phase-out begins at $153,000 MAGI for single filers and $242,000 for married filing jointly (up from $150,000 and $236,000 in 2025). Above $168,000 (single) or $252,000 (married), you cannot contribute directly to a Roth IRA. If you earn above these limits, consider the Backdoor Roth IRA strategy: contribute to a non-deductible Traditional IRA and then convert it to Roth. Source: IRS Notice N-25-67.
Can I deduct my Traditional IRA contribution in 2026?▼
If you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan (like a 401k), your Traditional IRA deduction phases out. For 2026, the phase-out for single filers covered by a workplace plan is $81,000-$91,000 MAGI. For married filing jointly where the contributor is covered: $129,000-$149,000. If not covered by a workplace plan, you can deduct the full $7,500 regardless of income. Source: IRS Notice N-25-67.
What is a Backdoor Roth IRA and who should use it?▼
The Backdoor Roth IRA is a legal tax strategy for high earners who exceed the Roth IRA income limits. You contribute to a Traditional IRA (no income limit for non-deductible contributions), then convert it to a Roth IRA. The conversion is taxable only on pre-tax amounts. Beware of the pro-rata rule: if you have existing pre-tax Traditional IRA balances, the conversion will be partially taxable.
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA — which is better in 2026?▼
Choose Roth IRA if: you're in a low tax bracket now, you're young with decades of tax-free growth ahead, or you expect tax rates to rise. Choose Traditional IRA if: you're in a high bracket now and expect to be in a lower bracket in retirement, or you need the current deduction. A key Roth advantage: no Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) during the owner's lifetime, making it excellent for estate planning.
Should you use a Roth IRA or 401(k)? Get your personalised answer.
Use the Free 401k vs Roth Calculator →Sources
- IRS Notice N-25-67 (2026 retirement plan amounts)(verified 2026-05-02)
- IRS newsroom — 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit to $7,500(verified 2026-05-02)
- IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)(verified 2026-05-02)
For educational purposes only. Not financial advice.