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The IRS has increased the amount of money you're allowed to contribute to your IRA in 2026 to $7,500, from $7,000.
The contribution limit applies to a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or a combination of the two. If you’re 50 or older, you can make an additional $1,100 catch-up contribution, for a total allowed deposit of $8,600.
Read more: Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide
The IRS has increased the amount of money you are allowed to contribute to your IRA in 2026 to $7,500, from $7,000.
The contribution limit applies to a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or a combination of the two. If you’re 50 or older, you can make an additional $1,100 catch-up contribution for a total allowed deposit of $8,600.
2025 and 2026 traditional IRA and Roth IRA contribution limits
The IRS adjusts the IRA contribution and income limits every year for inflation. Adjustments to the main contribution limit are typically made in increments of $500. Catch-up contributions get smaller adjustments.
Note that if your taxable wages are lower than these limits, you can only contribute the amount you earned. Suppose your earned income (money you earn from a job or self-employment) is $5,000 in 2025. Your maximum IRA contribution in 2025 would be $5,000, not $7,000.
One exception: If you don’t earn taxable compensation but you’re married and file a joint return with someone who earns money from working, you can contribute to a spousal IRA.
You can fund your IRA on whatever schedule you choose. If you contribute each month to make the maximum contribution, here’s what the monthly amounts look like and how they’ll change.
2025 and 2026 Roth IRA income limits
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement arrangement that you fund with after-tax money. As long as you wait until age 59 ½ and you’ve held the account for at least five years, all Roth IRA distributions are tax-free. You can also withdraw your earnings (but not the contributions) at any time tax- and penalty-free. However, you will owe income taxes and a 10% penalty on most early withdrawals of earnings from a Roth IRA.
You can only contribute to a Roth IRA if your income falls below certain thresholds set by the IRS each year. Eligibility is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). For most people, that’s your adjusted gross income you calculate for your income tax return before you subtract any deduction for student loan interest.
Learn more: How much can you contribute to your 401(k)?
Learn more: HSA contribution limits: Here’s how much you can save
2025 and 2026 traditional IRA deduction limits
A traditional IRA is a retirement account that allows you to deduct your contribution, depending on your income and whether you or your spouse is covered by a workplace plan. Those with higher incomes can take only partial deductions. Distributions are taxed at ordinary income rates. A 10% early withdrawal penalty typically applies to any distributions you take before age 59 ½.
There are no income limits that apply to traditional IRA contributions. However, income limits apply to traditional IRA deductions if you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan.
What’s the deadline to contribute to an IRA?
For both traditional and Roth IRAs, you have until Tax Day to fund your account for the tax year.
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Deadline to fund your IRA for 2025: April 15, 2026
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Deadline to fund your IRA for 2026: April 15, 2027
Note that filing for a tax extension doesn’t buy you extra time to fund your IRA for the year.
What about RMDs in 2026?
Some retirement accounts are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), which are mandatory distributions once the account holder reaches a specified age. There are no RMDs for Roth IRAs, but RMDs are required for traditional IRAs.
The Secure Act 2.0, which was passed in late 2022, raised the RMD age from 72 to 73. Here’s when you’ll need to take RMDs under the new law:
If you turn 73 in 2025:
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You don’t need to take an RMD in 2025.
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Your first RMD is due by April 1, 2026.
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Your second RMD is due by December 31, 2026.
If you turn 73 in 2026:
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You don’t need to take an RMD in 2026.
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Your first RMD is due by April 1, 2027.
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Your second RMD is due by December 31, 2027.
Essentially, you’re allowed to delay your first RMD until April 1 the year after you turn 73. All subsequent RMDs are due by Dec. 31 each year. If you opt to delay your first RMD until the year after you turn 73, you’ll need to take two RMDs in that year – which could push your income into a higher tax bracket.
Because the rules surrounding RMDs are complex, always consult with a tax adviser.
Learn more: The new tax brackets are here. How much will you owe?
IRA limits FAQs
What is the Roth IRA limit for 2025?
The Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,000 in 2025, or $8,000 if you’re at least 50. These limits are the same as the 2024 IRA limits.
What is the Roth IRA limit for 2026?
The Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,500 in 2026, or $8,600 if you’re 50 or older.
Do the limits apply to IRA rollovers?
No. If you’re rolling over a 401(k) or another retirement account into an IRA, the rolled over amount won’t count toward the limits. You can roll over your account and then fund your IRA up to the limits for the tax year.
Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if I earn more than the income limit?
Some retirement savers who earn more than the Roth IRA limits use a strategy called a backdoor Roth IRA. In short, you fund a non-deductible traditional IRA with after-tax contributions, then transfer the funds to a Roth IRA and pay any applicable taxes. The advantage of this strategy is that you get the long-term, tax-free growth a Roth IRA offers. Be aware, though, that the IRS has never provided formal guidance on whether this strategy is permitted, so there’s some risk involved.
Tim Manni edited this article.
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