This Roth IRA calculator checks how much you are allowed to contribute in 2026 based on your income and filing status, then projects your tax-free Roth IRA balance at retirement. It applies the official 2026 contribution limit, catch-up contributions and income phase-out ranges.
2026 Roth IRA limits
| Rule | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Contribution limit (under 50) | $7,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50 and over | $1,100 (total $8,600) |
| Phase-out: single and head of household | $153,000 – $168,000 |
| Phase-out: married filing jointly | $242,000 – $252,000 |
| Phase-out: married filing separately | $0 – $10,000 |
The $7,500 limit is shared across all your IRAs, Roth and traditional. Below the phase-out range you can contribute the full amount; inside it, the limit is reduced; above it, you cannot contribute directly.
How the reduced limit is calculated
Inside the phase-out range, your limit falls in proportion to how far your income is into the range. The result is rounded up to the next $10, and if it is above zero but under $200, you may still contribute $200. For example, a single filer with a MAGI of $160,500 is halfway through the range, so the limit is about $3,750.
Worked example
A single 30-year-old earning $90,000 can contribute the full $7,500 in 2026. Starting with $10,000 and contributing $7,000 at the start of each year at a 7% return, the Roth IRA could reach about $1,142,000 by 65, all of it available tax-free in retirement.
Why choose a Roth IRA?
- Tax-free withdrawals in retirement, including all the growth, once you are 59½ and the account is at least five years old.
- No required minimum distributions during the original owner’s lifetime.
- Flexible contributions: you can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) at any time without tax or penalty.
- Most valuable if you expect your tax rate in retirement to be the same or higher than now.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Roth IRA contribution limit for 2026?
The limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older. It is shared with any traditional IRA contributions you make for the same year.
What are the 2026 Roth IRA income limits?
The phase-out range is $153,000 to $168,000 of modified adjusted gross income for single filers and heads of household, and $242,000 to $252,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if my income is too high?
Not directly. Some high earners make a nondeductible traditional IRA contribution and convert it to a Roth, often called a backdoor Roth. The tax rules are complex, so talk to a tax professional first.
What is the deadline for 2026 contributions?
You can make contributions for a tax year up to that year’s federal tax filing deadline, usually around April 15 of the following year.
Do I need earned income to contribute?
Yes. You cannot contribute more than your taxable compensation for the year. A spouse with little or no income may be able to contribute based on the working spouse’s income if you file jointly.
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Last reviewed: October 2026. This calculator is for education only and is not financial, tax or legal advice.