An individual retirement account (IRA) can be a tax-efficient vehicle for retirement savings, but it’s not a free-for-all when it comes to contributing funds. Investors must adhere to the IRS’s annual contribution limit, which may change from year to year. Restrictions and exceptions could also impact how much individuals may contribute.
Annual contribution limits to IRAs
The maximum IRA contribution limit for 2021 depends on investors’ age, and these rules apply to traditional and Roth IRAs.
- Regular contributions. Individuals 49 or younger may contribute as much as $6,000 each year.
- Catch-up contributions. Individuals 50 or older can make a catch-up contribution up to $1,000, bringing their total IRA max contribution limit to $7,000.
It’s important to note these are combined limits across traditional and Roth IRAs. An investor eligible to make the maximum contribution may not invest $6,000 in their traditional IRA, and another $6,000 in their Roth IRA. The $6,000 limit applies to the sum of their contributions to traditional and Roth IRAs.
Income limits for Roth and traditional IRA contributions
Age isn’t the only factor that can impact maximum annual contributions. Traditional and Roth IRAs each have unique rules that could limit how much an individual invests every year.
Traditional IRA income limits
When investing in a traditional IRA, contributions up to the annual limit can be used as a tax deduction. However, the amount that may be deducted could be reduced or eliminated altogether depending on an individual’s access to an employer savings plan. For married couples, the amount may be reduced if a spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work. Those whose income is above the limit may still contribute to an IRA, but the contribution isn’t tax-deductible.
Single/Head of household, and you are covered by a 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan
- If your annual modified AGI is $66,000 or less, you can take a full deduction up to the annual contribution limit.
- If your annual modified AGI is between $66,001 and $76,000, you can take a partial deduction.
- If your annual modified AGI is above $76,000, you cannot take a deduction.
Married filing jointly/qualified widower, and you are covered by a 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan
- If your annual modified AGI is $105,000 or less, you can take a full deduction up to the annual contribution limit.
- If your annual modified AGI is between $105,001 and $125,000, you can take a partial deduction.
- If your annual modified AGI is above $125,000, you cannot take a deduction.
Married filing jointly/qualified widower, and you are not covered by a 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan, but your spouse is
- If your annual modified AGI is $198,000 or less, you can take a full deduction up to the annual contribution limit.
- If your annual modified AGI is between $198,001 and $208,000, you can take a partial deduction.
- If your annual modified AGI is above $208,000, you cannot take a deduction.
Married filing separately, and you or your spouse are covered by a 401(k) or other workplace retirement plan
- If your annual modified AGI is $10,000 or less, you can take a partial deduction.
- If your annual modified AGI is above $10,000, you cannot take a deduction.
Roth IRA income limits
Money contributed to a Roth IRA is not tax-deductible.Rather, it is fully taxed at the individual’s income tax rate. Withdrawals made during retirement, including all investment earnings, are tax-free.
Contribution limits for a Roth IRA depend on the individual’s filing status and income. Each tax filing status has an income limit based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Those who earn more than that can’t contribute to a Roth IRA account.
Single/Head of household
- If your annual modified AGI is $120,000 or less, you can contribute the maximum
- If your annual modified AGI is between $120,001 and $140,000, you can make a reduced contribution.
- If your annual modified AGI is above $140,000, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.
Married filing jointly/qualified widower
- If your annual modified AGI is $198,000 or less, you can contribute the maximum.
- If your annual modified AGI is between $198,001 and $208,000, you can make a reduced contribution.
- If your annual modified AGI is above $208,000, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.
Married filing separately
- If your annual modified AGI is $10,000 or less, you can make a reduced contribution.
- If your annual modified AGI is above $10,000, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.
Roth and Traditional IRA income limits: 2020 vs 2021
The IRS may change the income and contribution limits for future tax years to account for inflation and increases in cost of living. Between 2020 and 2021, the IRS made two major changes that affected all tax filing statuses.
- Increased income limits for traditional IRA deductions. The IRS raised income limits for traditional IRA deductions, allowing more people to qualify under the new phase-out ranges.
- Increased income limits for Roth IRA contributions. The IRS also increased the income limits and phase-out ranges for Roth IRAs. Individuals previously on the cusp of qualifying may now find they’re eligible.
Excess IRA contributions
The IRS charges a 6% tax on excess contributions each year the money remains in an IRA. To avoid this fee, excess contributions and earnings on those contributions must be withdrawn before the federal tax deadline. Applying excess contributions to later years is also possible, if certain requirements are met.
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