How to use the Roth IRA calculator
- Enter your age, retirement age and current Roth balance.
- Add your yearly contribution. The calculator caps it at the IRS limit for your age and income.
- Choose your filing status and income to check whether you can contribute the full amount.
- Compare the tax-free Roth balance with the same savings in a regular taxable account.
2026 Roth IRA limits
| Rule | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Contribution limit | $7,500 |
| Age 50 and over | $8,600 |
| Single: full / phase-out / none | under $153,000 / $153,000–$168,000 / $168,000+ |
| Married filing jointly | under $242,000 / $242,000–$252,000 / $252,000+ |
The limit is shared with traditional IRAs, and you need earned income at least equal to what you contribute.
Example
At 30, with $5,000 already saved, you put in the full $7,500 a year until 65. At a 7 % return the account grows to about $1.12 million, of which only $267,500 is your own money. All of the growth comes out tax-free in retirement.
Roth IRA withdrawal rules
- Contributions can be taken out at any time, tax- and penalty-free.
- Earnings are tax-free once you are 59½ and the account is at least five years old.
- No required minimum distributions for the original owner, unlike traditional IRAs.
Frequently asked questions
Roth or traditional IRA?
Roth if you expect the same or a higher tax rate later, or you want flexibility. Traditional if you need the deduction now and expect a much lower rate in retirement.
What if my income is too high?
Many people use a “backdoor Roth”: a non-deductible traditional IRA contribution converted to Roth. Check the pro-rata rule with a tax professional first.
What is the deadline to contribute for 2026?
The tax filing deadline, usually April 15, 2027.
Sources: IRS, Retirement topics: IRA contribution limits; IRS Notice 2025-67; IRS Publication 590-A and 590-B. Estimates only, not tax advice.
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Last reviewed: 2026-11-14. Results are estimates based on the returns you enter, not advice. See our disclaimer.