What Is the IRA Contribution Limit for 2025?
Updated for tax year 2025 (filed in 2026) · IRS-sourced
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are one of the best tax-advantaged ways to save for retirement. Here are the contribution limits and income rules for 2025.
Under 50: $7,000 · Age 50+: $8,000 · Deadline: April 15, 2026
2025 IRA Contribution Limits
| Age | 2025 Limit | 2024 (Prior Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| 50 and older (catch-up) | $8,000 | $8,000 |
The limit applies to the combined total of all your Traditional and Roth IRA contributions. For example, if you put $4,000 in a Traditional IRA, you can only contribute $3,000 to a Roth IRA (if under 50).
Roth IRA Income Phase-Outs (2025)
Your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI):
| Filing Status | Full Contribution | Reduced Contribution | No Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single / Head of Household | Under $150,000 | $150,000–$165,000 | $165,000+ |
| Married Filing Jointly | Under $236,000 | $236,000–$246,000 | $246,000+ |
| Married Filing Separately | — | $0–$10,000 | $10,000+ |
Traditional IRA Deduction Phase-Outs (2025)
If you (or your spouse) are covered by a workplace retirement plan, your Traditional IRA deduction may be limited:
| Situation | Full Deduction MAGI | Partial Deduction |
|---|---|---|
| Single, covered by workplace plan | Under $79,000 | $79,000–$89,000 |
| MFJ, contributor covered | Under $126,000 | $126,000–$146,000 |
| MFJ, spouse covered (you’re not) | Under $236,000 | $236,000–$246,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still contribute if I exceed the income limits?
For Roth IRAs, you can use the "backdoor Roth" strategy: contribute to a Traditional IRA (non-deductible) and then convert to Roth. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
What if I contribute too much?
Excess contributions are subject to a 6% penalty tax each year they remain in the account. You can withdraw the excess (plus earnings) before the tax filing deadline to avoid the penalty.
Do I need earned income to contribute?
Yes. You must have earned income (wages, self-employment income) at least equal to your contribution amount. A non-working spouse can contribute using a spousal IRA if the other spouse has earned income.
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IRS Publication 590-A — Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
TaxGPT.ai provides information sourced from official IRS publications. This is not tax advice — consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.