Printable checklist for your desk
Prefer paper? Print this two-page checklist, fill it in with a pencil, and bring it to your tax preparer or to our meeting. Large print, easy to read away from the screen.
Download the PDF (large print)The short version. Anyone with earned income can put money into a Traditional IRA, at any income level. Whether you can deduct that contribution on your tax return depends on two things: whether you or your spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, and your income.
The 2026 limit
The limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older. It is the same combined limit that applies to your Roth IRA, so money in one counts against the other. You also need earned income at least as large as your contribution. [1, 3]
There is no upper age limit. The old rule that stopped contributions at age 70½ no longer applies. [3]
Step 1: Are you covered by a plan at work?
You are "covered" if you or your spouse's employer has a plan and, for the year, money was added to your 401(k) or similar account, money was put into your SEP or SIMPLE IRA, or you were eligible for a pension. Box 13 on your W-2 has a "Retirement plan" checkbox for this. If you are unsure, ask your employer. Your spouse's employer counts too. [4]
If neither you nor your spouse is covered at work, the income limits do not apply and your contribution is fully deductible. [1]
Step 2: Compare your income with the 2026 ranges
If you or your spouse is covered, your deduction is reduced, and eventually eliminated, as your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) rises through these ranges. [1, 2]
| Your situation | Full deduction below | Reduced between |
|---|---|---|
| Single, covered by a plan at work | $81,000 | $81,000 to $91,000 |
| Married filing jointly, the person contributing is covered at work | $129,000 | $129,000 to $149,000 |
| Married filing jointly, the person contributing is not covered but the spouse is | $242,000 | $242,000 to $252,000 |
| Married filing separately, covered at work | $0 | $0 to $10,000 |
At the top of a range, there is no deduction. For situations not listed here, ask your tax preparer. [1, 2]
Four quick examples
These are illustrations only. Your own answer depends on your full tax picture.
| The situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Single, covered by a 401(k). MAGI $75,000. | Under $81,000, so the full contribution is deductible. |
| Single, covered by a 401(k). MAGI $86,000. | Inside the $81,000 to $91,000 range, so only part of the contribution is deductible. |
| Married filing jointly. She is not covered at work, but her husband is. Their MAGI is $230,000. | Under $242,000, so her contribution is fully deductible. |
| Married filing jointly. Neither spouse is covered at work. Their MAGI is $300,000. | The income limits do not apply, so the contribution is fully deductible. |
If you cannot deduct it
You may still be able to contribute even when you cannot deduct. That is called a nondeductible contribution. You generally file IRS Form 8606 with your tax return to record it, so the money you already paid tax on is not taxed again when you withdraw it. Your tax preparer can do this. [5]
The deadline
You can make 2026 contributions until the tax filing deadline for 2026, not counting extensions. That is April 15, 2027 for most people. Tell your account company which tax year the contribution is for. [3]
Frequently asked questions
Can I contribute to a Traditional IRA at any income?
Yes, if you have earned income at least as large as the contribution. Whether you can deduct it depends on workplace plan coverage and income.
Is there an age limit for contributions?
No. The old rule that stopped contributions at age 70½ no longer applies.
What counts as being covered by a plan at work?
Generally, money was added to your 401(k) or similar account, money was put into your SEP or SIMPLE IRA, or you were eligible for a pension. Box 13 on your W-2 has a retirement plan checkbox. Your spouse's employer plan can matter too.
Sources and review notes
- IRS news release IR-2025-111: 2026 contribution and income limits
- IRS Notice 2025-67
- IRS Publication 590-A: contributions to IRAs. Use "What's New for 2026" for this year's limits, because many of its worksheets and examples are for 2025.
- IRS: Are you covered by an employer's retirement plan?
- IRS: Instructions for Form 8606
General education, not individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Discuss tax decisions with your tax professional, and recheck annual limits before using this page for another tax year.