- The 2027 IRA contribution limit stays at $7,500, the same as 2026. Savers 50 and older can add a $1,100 catch-up, for $8,600 in total.
- Roth IRA income limits rise for 2027: single filers phase out between $158,000 and $173,000, and married couples filing jointly phase out between $250,000 and $260,000.
- You can still make 2026 IRA contributions until April 15, 2027, so both years’ limits matter right now.
The IRA contribution limit for 2027 is $7,500, the same as 2026. The income limits for Roth IRA contributions and traditional IRA deductions moved higher. This page puts the 2027 and 2026 limits side by side, since you can fund a 2026 IRA through April 15, 2027. Our news story on the 2027 IRA and 401(k) limit changes covers every account type that changed.
Below you’ll find who can contribute, how to figure a reduced Roth IRA contribution, how to fix an excess contribution and every limit back to 2018. If you’re still choosing where to open an account, start with our ranking of the best IRA accounts.
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What Are The 2027 IRA Contribution Limits?
The 2027 IRA limit is $7,500 for savers under 50 and $8,600 for savers 50 and older. That limit is shared across all of your traditional and Roth IRAs, so $4,000 in a Roth IRA leaves $3,500 for a traditional IRA. The figures come from IRS Notice 2026-66 (PDF File), and our Roth vs. traditional IRA decision tree helps you choose between the two.
| Limit | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
| Catch-Up, Age 50+ | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Total, Age 50+ | $8,600 | $8,600 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $72,000 | $75,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA Employee Limit | $17,000 | $17,500 |
| Contribution Deadline | April 15, 2027 | April 15, 2028 |
The IRA limit held flat because it only rises in $500 steps, and 2026 inflation didn’t push it to the next step. The $1,100 catch-up is now indexed to inflation under SECURE 2.0, but it also stayed the same. Our list of IRA match bonuses shows brokers that add money on top of what you contribute.
What Are The 2026 IRA Contribution Limits?
The 2026 IRA limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you’re 50 or older by the end of 2026. You can make 2026 contributions until April 15, 2027, so tell your broker which year a deposit is for when you make it between January 1 and April 15. Our list of last-minute tax moves covers other steps you can still take for 2026.
A traditional IRA deduction for 2026 lowers your 2026 taxable income, even if you make it in 2027. Tax software asks about IRA contributions for this reason, and our ranking of the best tax software covers which programs handle IRA deductions and Form 8606.
What Are The Roth IRA Income Limits?
In 2027, single filers and heads of household can make a full Roth IRA contribution with modified adjusted gross income below $158,000, and can’t contribute at all at $173,000 or more. Married couples filing jointly phase out between $250,000 and $260,000. Our explanation of how to calculate your adjusted gross income is the starting point for figuring your modified AGI.
| Filing Status | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Single Or Head Of Household | $153,000 – $168,000 | $158,000 – $173,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $242,000 – $252,000 | $250,000 – $260,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $0 – $10,000 | $0 – $10,000 |
How To Figure A Reduced Roth IRA Contribution
Inside the phase-out range, your Roth limit shrinks in proportion to how far into the range your income falls. A single filer under 50 with $165,500 of modified AGI in 2027 is halfway through the $15,000 range, so they can contribute $3,750. The IRS rounds the result up to the next $10 and lets you contribute at least $200 if you’re still under the top of the range. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions lower your modified AGI, which can pull you back under the range.
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Modified AGI | $165,500 |
| Minus Bottom Of Range | -$158,000 |
| Amount Into The Range | $7,500 |
| Share Of The $15,000 Range | 50% |
| Full Limit Minus 50% | $7,500 x 50% |
| Allowed Roth IRA Contribution | $3,750 |
Savers above the range can still reach a Roth IRA with a nondeductible traditional IRA contribution and a conversion. Our walkthrough of the backdoor Roth IRA explains the pro-rata rule that trips up people who already hold pre-tax IRA money.
What Are The Traditional IRA Deduction Limits?
Anyone with earned income can contribute to a traditional IRA, but the deduction phases out if you or your spouse has a retirement plan at work. In 2027, a single filer covered by a workplace plan loses the deduction between $83,000 and $93,000 of modified AGI. If neither spouse has a workplace plan, the deduction has no income limit, which our traditional vs. Roth IRA comparison explains in more detail.
| Situation | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Covered By A Workplace Plan | $81,000 – $91,000 | $83,000 – $93,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly, Contributor Covered | $129,000 – $149,000 | $133,000 – $153,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly, Only Spouse Covered | $242,000 – $252,000 | $250,000 – $260,000 |
| Married Filing Separately, Covered | $0 – $10,000 | $0 – $10,000 |
| No One Covered By A Workplace Plan | No Limit | No Limit |
A nondeductible contribution still grows tax-deferred, but you need to track it on Form 8606 so you aren’t taxed on it again at withdrawal. Pre-tax IRA deductions also lower the AGI used for income-driven repayment plan payments, as our list of pre-tax moves that lower your student loan payment shows.
Who Can Contribute To An IRA?
You can contribute to an IRA if you have taxable compensation, such as wages, salary, tips or self-employment income. Your contribution can’t be more than what you earned that year, so a teen who earned $3,000 at a summer job can contribute up to $3,000. There’s no age limit anymore, and our list of the best investment accounts for teens shows where parents can open a custodial Roth IRA for a working child.
Investment income, Social Security and pension payments don’t count as compensation. A spouse with little or no income can still contribute through a spousal IRA, as long as the couple files jointly and the working spouse earned enough to cover both contributions. In 2027, a couple can fund $15,000 in IRAs this way, or $17,200 if both are 50 or older.
When Is The IRA Contribution Deadline?
The IRA contribution deadline is the federal tax filing deadline for that year, not counting extensions. You have until April 15, 2027 to contribute for 2026 and until April 15, 2028 for 2027. Our calendar of tax due dates lists the other deadlines that fall on the same day.
| Tax Year | Limit | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $7,500 ($8,600 at 50+) | April 15, 2027 |
| 2027 | $7,500 ($8,600 at 50+) | April 15, 2028 |
What If You Contribute Too Much To An IRA?
An excess IRA contribution owes a 6% excise tax for every year it stays in the account. You can avoid the tax by withdrawing the excess and its earnings before your tax filing deadline, including extensions. Your broker calculates the earnings, which are taxable for the year you made the contribution. A botched rollover can also create an excess contribution, and our IRA rollover chart shows which moves are allowed.
If you contributed to a Roth IRA and your income ended up too high, you can recharacterize the contribution as a traditional IRA contribution by the same deadline. That traditional contribution can then be converted, which is the same path a backdoor Roth uses.
What Are The SEP IRA And SIMPLE IRA Limits?
A SEP IRA lets an employer contribute up to 25% of compensation, capped at $75,000 in 2027, up from $72,000 in 2026. Those employer contributions don’t reduce your regular IRA limit. Our page on SEP IRA contribution limits shows how self-employed owners figure their maximum.
A SIMPLE IRA has an employee limit of $17,500 in 2027, up from $17,000. Some small employers can offer a higher $19,100 limit. Catch-ups stay at $4,000 for most workers 50 and older and $5,250 at ages 60 to 63. Small business owners comparing plans can start with our list of the best self-employed retirement plans.
| Limit | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| SEP IRA Maximum Contribution | $72,000 | $75,000 |
| SEP IRA Compensation Limit | $360,000 | $375,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA Employee Limit | $17,000 | $17,500 |
| SIMPLE IRA Higher Limit, Certain Employers | $18,100 | $19,100 |
| SIMPLE Catch-Up, Age 50+ | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| SIMPLE Catch-Up, Age 60 To 63 | $5,250 | $5,250 |
What Changed For The Saver’s Credit In 2027?
Starting with 2027 contributions, the Saver’s Credit no longer applies to IRA or 401(k) contributions. The new $1,000 Saver’s Match replaces it, with the federal match deposited into the saver’s retirement account instead of reducing their tax bill. The Saver’s Credit still covers 2026 IRA contributions, including ones you make by April 15, 2027.
After 2026, the Saver’s Credit only applies to contributions to ABLE accounts. For 2027, its top income limit is $83,000 for married couples filing jointly, $62,250 for heads of household and $41,500 for single filers.
Ready To Open An IRA?
Compare fees, investment choices and bonuses in our ranking of the best IRA accounts. Fidelity has no minimum to open a traditional or Roth IRA.
IRA Contribution Limit History
Select a year to see that year’s IRA contribution limit, Roth IRA income limits and traditional IRA deduction limits. You’ll need these when you file an amended return or check a prior-year Form 5498. Our IRA definition page explains how each account type works.
2025 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $7,000 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $8,000 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $70,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $150,000 – $165,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $236,000 – $246,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $79,000 – $89,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $126,000 – $146,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $236,000 – $246,000 |
2024 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $7,000 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $8,000 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $69,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $146,000 – $161,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $230,000 – $240,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $77,000 – $87,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $123,000 – $143,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $230,000 – $240,000 |
2023 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $6,500 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $7,500 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $66,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $138,000 – $153,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $218,000 – $228,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $73,000 – $83,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $116,000 – $136,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $218,000 – $228,000 |
2022 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2022 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $6,000 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $7,000 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $61,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $129,000 – $144,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $204,000 – $214,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $68,000 – $78,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $109,000 – $129,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $204,000 – $214,000 |
2021 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $6,000 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $7,000 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $58,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $125,000 – $140,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $198,000 – $208,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $66,000 – $76,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $105,000 – $125,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $198,000 – $208,000 |
2020 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $6,000 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $7,000 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $57,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $124,000 – $139,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $196,000 – $206,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $104,000 – $124,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $196,000 – $206,000 |
2019 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $6,000 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $7,000 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $56,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $122,000 – $137,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $193,000 – $203,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $64,000 – $74,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $103,000 – $123,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $193,000 – $203,000 |
2018 IRA Contribution And Income Limits
| Limit | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Under 50 | $5,500 |
| Traditional And Roth IRA, Age 50+ | $6,500 |
| SEP IRA Maximum | $55,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Single Or Head Of Household | $120,000 – $135,000 |
| Roth Phase-Out, Married Filing Jointly | $189,000 – $199,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Single, Covered | $63,000 – $73,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Contributor Covered | $101,000 – $121,000 |
| Traditional Deduction Phase-Out, Joint, Only Spouse Covered | $189,000 – $199,000 |
All Years At A Glance (2018 To 2027)
| Year | Under 50 | Age 50+ | Roth Phase-Out, Single | Roth Phase-Out, Joint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $7,500 | $8,600 | $158,000 – $173,000 | $250,000 – $260,000 |
| 2026 | $7,500 | $8,600 | $153,000 – $168,000 | $242,000 – $252,000 |
| 2025 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $150,000 – $165,000 | $236,000 – $246,000 |
| 2024 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $146,000 – $161,000 | $230,000 – $240,000 |
| 2023 | $6,500 | $7,500 | $138,000 – $153,000 | $218,000 – $228,000 |
| 2022 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $129,000 – $144,000 | $204,000 – $214,000 |
| 2021 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $125,000 – $140,000 | $198,000 – $208,000 |
| 2020 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $124,000 – $139,000 | $196,000 – $206,000 |
| 2019 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $122,000 – $137,000 | $193,000 – $203,000 |
| 2018 | $5,500 | $6,500 | $120,000 – $135,000 | $189,000 – $199,000 |
IRA Contribution Limit FAQs
What Is The IRA Contribution Limit For 2027?
The 2027 IRA limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you’re 50 or older. That’s the same as 2026, and the limit is shared across all of your traditional and Roth IRAs. Our 2027 limit announcement story has the full IRS release.
Can I Still Contribute To My IRA For 2026?
Yes. You can contribute for 2026 until April 15, 2027, even though the year is over. Tell your broker the deposit is for 2026, and see our last-minute tax reminders for other moves before you file.
Can I Contribute To An IRA If I Have A 401(k)?
Yes. A 401(k) doesn’t stop you from contributing to an IRA, but it can limit your traditional IRA deduction above the income ranges on this page. The two accounts have separate limits, which our 401(k) contribution limits page lists.
Can I Contribute To A Roth IRA And A Traditional IRA In The Same Year?
Yes, but your combined contributions can’t pass $7,500, or $8,600 at age 50 and older. You could split it $5,000 Roth and $2,500 traditional, for example. Our Roth vs. traditional contribution comparison helps you decide the split.
Is There An Age Limit For IRA Contributions?
No. The SECURE Act removed the age 70½ cutoff for traditional IRA contributions starting in 2020, so anyone with earned income can contribute. Children can contribute too, which makes a Roth IRA a flexible way to save for college or retirement.
Sources
- IRS news release IR-2026-136: 401(k) limit increases to $25,500 for 2027, IRA limit remains $7,500
- IRS Notice 2026-66: 2027 amounts relating to retirement plans and IRAs (PDF File)
- IRS: Retirement topics, IRA contribution limits
- IRS Publication 590-A: Contributions to individual retirement arrangements
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Ohan Kayikchyan Ph.D., CFP®
Robert Farrington is the founder of The College Investor and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading voices on student loan debt and saving for college. He holds an MBA from UC San Diego Rady School of Management and has spent over 15 years researching, writing, and advising on student loans, 529 plans, financial aid programs, and saving and investing for young professionals.
Robert has been featured in the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, NBC News, and Forbes, where he has been a regular personal finance contributor for over a decade. His work combines both professional expertise and personal experience – he successfully navigated his own student loan repayment journey and has helped thousands of readers do the same.
He is committed to making the intersection of personal finance and education transparent and accessible. You can learn more about Robert on the About Page or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.