An IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account you open yourself. For 2026 you can contribute up to $7,500, or $8,600 if you are age 50 or older. That single limit is shared across your Traditional and Roth IRAs combined, not per account.
How much can you put in an IRA in 2026?
The 2026 IRA contribution limit is $7,500. If you are age 50 or older, you can add a $1,100 catch-up for a total of $8,600.
This cap is the total across all your IRAs. Splitting money between a Traditional and a Roth does not raise it.
| Your situation | Base limit | Catch-up | Total 2026 limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under age 50 | $7,500 | $0 | $7,500 |
| Age 50 or older | $7,500 | $1,100 | $8,600 |
Roth vs Traditional: what is the difference?
Both share the same 2026 dollar limit. The difference is when you are taxed.
- Traditional IRA: contributions may be deductible now; withdrawals in retirement are taxed.
- Roth IRA: contributions are after-tax now; qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
A Roth has income limits on who can contribute directly. A Traditional IRA has no income cap on contributing, only on deducting.
What are the Roth IRA income limits for 2026?
Roth IRA eligibility phases out as your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) rises. Inside the range your allowed contribution shrinks; above the top of the range you cannot contribute directly.
| Filing status | Phase-out starts | Phase-out ends |
|---|---|---|
| Single / head of household | $153,000 | $168,000 |
| Married filing jointly | $242,000 | $252,000 |
| Married filing separately | $0 | $10,000 |
Below the start of your range you can contribute the full amount. Above the end, a direct Roth contribution is not allowed. See our 2026 Roth conversion guide for the backdoor route.
Can you deduct a Traditional IRA in 2026?
Anyone with earned income can contribute to a Traditional IRA. Whether the contribution is tax-deductible depends on your income and on whether you or your spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan.
If you are covered by a plan at work, a separate income phase-out limits the deduction. The exact 2026 deductibility ranges are set in IRS Publication 590-A. Check Pub 590-A for your figure before filing.
How does an IRA compare to a 401(k)?
A 401(k) lets you save far more than an IRA. For 2026 the 401(k) elective deferral is $24,500, plus an $8,000 catch-up at age 50+, or $11,250 at ages 60 to 63. Many savers use both.
The 401(k) (50+) bar shows $24,500 plus the $8,000 catch-up. Decide where to start with our Roth vs traditional 401(k) guide.
When is the 2026 IRA contribution deadline?
You have until April 15, 2027 to make IRA contributions for tax year 2026. That is the filing deadline, and there are no extensions for IRA contributions.
For more on workplace savings, see the 2026 401(k) contribution guide.