A Roth IRA is one of the easiest ways to build long-term financial security without locking yourself into complicated investment strategies. But even though a Roth IRA is popular for its tax-free growth, one detail still confuses people every single year: the contribution limit.
Contribution limits change over time, income affects eligibility, and the IRS adjusts thresholds almost yearly. If you’re planning your finances, here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know.
The Annual Contribution Limit
Every year, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) sets a maximum amount you’re allowed to put into a Roth IRA. If you’ve found yourself Googling how much can I contribute to my Roth IRA, here’s your answer:
For the 2025 tax year, the limit is $7,000 if you’re under 50 and $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. These limits apply across all Roth IRAs you own. So, if you have two Roth IRA accounts, the total contribution amount still cannot exceed the annual limit.
These numbers may change again in 2026 and beyond, since the IRS typically adjusts them based on increases in the cost of living.
Income Limits
One thing that sets Roth IRAs apart from Traditional IRAs is the income eligibility requirement. Not everyone can contribute the full amount, or at all. The ability to do so to a Roth IRA is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and your tax filing status.
For 2025, if you file as single, full contribution is allowed if your MAGI is less than $150,000; partial contribution if MAGI is between $150,000 and $165,000; and no direct contribution if MAGI is above $165,000.
If you’re married and filing jointly, a combined MAGI of less than $236,000 allows full contribution; between $236,000 and $246,000 for partial contribution, and no permitted contribution if your income exceeds $246,000.
If your income falls in the partial zone, you can use online IRA platforms like SoFi or dedicated calculators to calculate your exact limit based on the income numbers you provide.
What If You Earn Too Much?
This is a common issue for high-income individuals, but it doesn’t mean you’re shut out of Roth contributions forever. If you’re over the income threshold, there’s something called a Backdoor Roth IRA, which involves making a contribution to a Traditional IRA and then converting it to a Roth.
It’s perfectly legal when done correctly, but it does come with tax considerations. People who choose this route usually do so with the help of a financial advisor or CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
When Can You Make Contributions?
The IRS gives you flexibility here. You can contribute to a Roth IRA any time during the tax year, and up until the tax filing deadline of the following year, which is usually mid-April.
That means you have over 15 months to make your contributions for a single tax year. Many savers use this window to spread contributions out, automate monthly deposits, or make a lump sum after receiving a tax refund or bonus.
