Roth IRA Income Limits: Can You Contribute?
For 2026, single filers with modified AGI below $153,000 can contribute the full amount to a Roth IRA. The contribution phases out between $153,000 and $168,000, and is eliminated above $168,000. Married couples filing jointly have a phase-out range of $242,000–252,000.
2026 Roth IRA income phase-out ranges
| Filing Status | Full Contribution (MAGI Below) | Phase-Out Range | Eliminated (MAGI Above) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single / Head of Household | $153,000 | $153,000 – $168,000 | $168,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $242,000 | $242,000 – $252,000 | $252,000 |
How the phase-out works
Within the phase-out range, your maximum contribution is reduced proportionally. For example, a single filer with a MAGI of $160,000 (midway through the 2026 phase-out range) would be able to contribute roughly half of the full limit. The exact calculation uses a formula based on how far into the phase-out range your income falls.
What to do if your income is too high
If your income exceeds the Roth IRA phase-out range, you cannot contribute directly. The Backdoor Roth strategy — making a nondeductible Traditional IRA contribution and converting it to Roth — may be an option if you understand the pro-rata rule. See our Backdoor Roth guide for details.
Over-contributing to a Roth IRA
If you contribute to a Roth IRA and later discover your income was too high, you can withdraw the excess contribution (plus earnings) before the tax filing deadline to avoid the 6% excess contribution excise tax. Earnings withdrawn with the excess may be taxable.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Roth IRA income limits for 2025?
2025 limits are slightly lower than 2026. Check IRS Publication 590-A for the exact figures for your tax year.
What is the max income to contribute to a Roth IRA?
For 2026, single filers above $168,000 and married couples above $252,000 cannot contribute directly.
Can married filing separately contribute to a Roth IRA?
Married filing separately generally has a very low phase-out range (close to $0–$10,000), making Roth IRA contributions difficult unless you lived apart from your spouse for the entire year.
Sources
Gleefund explains general retirement-account concepts and provides estimates. It does not provide financial, tax, or legal advice. See our disclaimer and methodology. Check the current IRS rules before acting.
Figures current as of 2026-09-25. Found an error? Contact us.