The IRS announced 2026 income limits for traditional and Roth IRA contributions, and they've shifted upward with inflation adjustments.
For married couples filing jointly, the Roth IRA income phaseout range begins at a higher threshold than in 2025. Those earning above the phaseout ceiling lose eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA entirely, though they can use backdoor Roth strategies to work around the restriction.
Traditional IRA deduction limits also moved up. If you or your spouse has an employer retirement plan like a 401(k), your ability to deduct traditional IRA contributions phases out at higher income levels in 2026. The exact numbers matter because exceeding these thresholds eliminates tax deductions on traditional contributions, transforming them into non-deductible IRAs.
Single filers face their own phaseout ranges, which are lower than married filing jointly. If you're single with a workplace retirement plan, your traditional IRA deduction phases out at a different income threshold than a married couple.
These limits matter because they determine your tax strategy for retirement savings. High earners who hit Roth income limits can't simply contribute directly. Instead, they contribute to a traditional IRA and convert it to a Roth, avoiding taxes on the conversion if they execute it carefully. But those with existing pretax IRA balances face complications from the pro-rata rule, which can trigger unexpected tax bills.
Married couples planning retirement strategy need to map out their income projections against these 2026 thresholds. Even if you're under the limit this year, rising income could push you into a phaseout zone next year. That timing affects whether you should max out contributions now or use alternative strategies.
The IRS adjusts these limits annually for inflation. Keep tabs on official IRS announcements each fall to plan your