The IRS has set 2026 income limits that determine who can contribute to Traditional and Roth IRAs, with different thresholds based on filing status and whether you're covered by an employer retirement plan.
For married couples filing jointly, the Roth IRA contribution limits phase out starting at $230,500 in modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Married filers completely lose Roth eligibility at $240,500 MAGI. For Traditional IRA deductions, married couples with workplace retirement plans face phase-outs beginning at $80,500, with complete ineligibility at $90,500.
Single filers experience tighter restrictions. Roth contributions phase out between $146,000 and $161,000 MAGI. Traditional IRA deductions for single workers with employer plans phase out from $76,000 to $86,000.
These income thresholds matter because they determine whether your contributions deliver tax breaks. Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement but have income limits. Traditional IRAs provide upfront tax deductions, but the deduction disappears for high earners covered by workplace retirement plans.
The good news: contribution limits themselves remain unchanged at $7,000 for those under 50 and $8,000 for those 50 and older. The income phase-out ranges simply expand slightly year to year with inflation adjustments.
High-income earners blocked from direct Roth contributions can use the "backdoor Roth" strategy. This involves contributing to a nondeductible Traditional IRA, then converting it to a Roth IRA. The strategy works as long as you monitor your pro-rata tax liability on existing Traditional IRA balances.
If you exceed the Roth phase-out limits, a backdoor Roth conversion remains viable unless