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Roth IRA Eligibility & Growth Calculator

Verify your 2026 Roth IRA direct contribution eligibility based on your filing status and MAGI. Project your tax-free retirement compound growth and total accumulated interest.

Last Updated: May 2026
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Eligibility Profile

Modified Adjusted Gross Income is standard AGI with certain tax deductions added back.

IRS limits increase for savers aged 50 or older (catch-up contributions).

Roth IRA Growth Parameters

Full limit for 2026 is $7,500.

Historically, index funds track 7% to 9% after inflation.

Roth IRA Eligibility & Projection Dashboard

IRS QualificationFully Eligible
You are fully eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA.
Max Allowed ContributionYour annual maximum limit based on MAGI
$7,500
Projected BalanceValue after 20 years at 8% APY
$370,592

The Wealth-Building Power of a Roth IRA

When it comes to retirement planning, few savings vehicles are as popular or powerful as the Roth IRA. By allowing your investments to grow completely sheltered from taxes, and guaranteeing that every dollar you withdraw in retirement is 100% tax-free, the Roth IRA is the ultimate tool for building long-term wealth.

Because of these lucrative tax advantages, the IRS restricts direct contributions to individuals under specific income thresholds. This calculator maps your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) against current IRS ranges and projects your compound growth.

Standard Roth IRA Income Limits

Your filing status and Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) dictate whether you can contribute directly to a Roth IRA:

  • Single filers: Full contribution allowed for MAGI under $150,000. Partial phase-out occurs between $150,000 and $165,000. No direct contributions are permitted above $165,000.
  • Married Filing Jointly: Full contribution allowed for MAGI under $236,000. Phase-out occurs between $236,000 and $246,000. No direct contributions are allowed above $246,000.
  • Married Filing Separately: A highly punitive phase-out occurs between $0 and $10,000, making direct contributions virtually impossible for most married filers living together.

The Magic of Tax-Free Compounding

In a taxable brokerage account, you are subject to drag from taxes on dividends and realized capital gains every year. Inside a Roth IRA, this drag is completely eliminated. Every dollar earned in dividend yields or capital gains is fully reinvested, allowing your money to compound on a larger base.

For example, contributing $7,500 annually ($625/month) at an 8% annual return yields over **$355,000** in 20 years. Because this is a Roth IRA, that entire amount is yours to spend in retirement — with zero tax liabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a tax-advantaged personal retirement savings account. You contribute post-tax dollars (meaning you get no upfront tax deduction), but all investment growth, dividends, and future withdrawals in retirement (after age 59½) are 100% tax-free.

What are the Roth IRA income phase-out ranges for 2026?

For 2026, the IRS Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) phase-out ranges are: (1) Single filers: $150,000 to $165,000; (2) Married couples filing jointly: $236,000 to $246,000; (3) Married couples filing separately: $0 to $10,000. If your MAGI is below the range, you can contribute the full amount. If it falls within the range, your limit is partially reduced.

What are the Roth IRA contribution limits for 2026?

For the 2026 tax year, the maximum direct contribution limit to a Roth IRA is $7,500 for individuals under age 50. For individuals aged 50 or older, the IRS allows an additional 'catch-up' contribution of $1,000, bringing their maximum contribution limit to $8,500.

What can I do if my income is too high to contribute directly?

If your MAGI exceeds the IRS limit, you can utilize the 'Backdoor Roth IRA' strategy. This involves making a non-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA and then immediately converting those funds into a Roth IRA. Since there are no income limits on conversions, this is a fully legal workaround.

How does a Roth IRA compare to a Traditional IRA?

The primary difference is the timing of the tax advantage. A Traditional IRA offers tax-deductible contributions today, but you must pay ordinary income taxes on all withdrawals in retirement. A Roth IRA offers no tax deduction today, but all withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.

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