2026 IRA limits
| Item | 2026 |
|---|
| Contribution limit | $7,500 |
| Catch-up (age 50+) | $1,100 (total $8,600) |
| Roth IRA income phase-out (single) | $153,000 – $168,000 |
| Roth IRA income phase-out (married filing jointly) | $242,000 – $252,000 |
Traditional vs Roth in one example
Say you can set aside $7,500 of pre-tax income a year. In a Roth you pay 22% tax first, so $5,850 goes in. In a traditional IRA the full $7,500 goes in, and you pay tax later. If your tax rate is the same now and in retirement, both end up with the same after-tax money. The traditional IRA wins when your retirement tax rate is lower, and the Roth wins when it is higher. This calculator keeps it fair by investing the traditional IRA's tax savings in a taxable account.
Tips
- Contribute early in the year to give your money more time to grow. You have until the tax filing deadline (April 15, 2027 for 2026 contributions).
- Get any employer 401(k) match first; it is free money.
- Not sure about future tax rates? Many people split contributions between both types.
More tools: Roth IRA calculator, 401(k) calculator and RMD calculator.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I put in an IRA in 2026?
The 2026 IRA contribution limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older (a $1,100 catch-up). The limit is shared across all your traditional and Roth IRAs, and you cannot contribute more than your earned income for the year.
Traditional or Roth IRA: which is better?
A traditional IRA may give you a tax deduction now, and you pay tax when you withdraw in retirement. A Roth IRA gives no deduction now, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free. If you expect a higher tax rate in retirement than today, a Roth usually wins; if you expect a lower rate, a traditional IRA usually wins.
How does this calculator compare them fairly?
It assumes you spend the same amount of today's money either way. With a traditional IRA, the tax you save now is invested in a regular taxable account. At retirement, the traditional IRA is taxed at your retirement rate, while the Roth is tax-free. This shows the after-tax value of each choice.
Can I deduct traditional IRA contributions?
If neither you nor your spouse has a workplace retirement plan, yes, regardless of income. If you are covered by a plan at work, the deduction phases out at higher incomes. You can still make non-deductible contributions.
When can I withdraw from an IRA?
Withdrawals before age 59½ usually face a 10% penalty plus income tax, with some exceptions. Roth contributions (not earnings) can be taken out any time. Traditional IRAs require minimum distributions starting at age 73 or 75 depending on your birth year.