Roth IRA Rules 2026: Limits, Income Caps and Withdrawals
Published 15 November 2026 · Retirement
Try it nowRoth IRA Calculator →A Roth IRA lets your investments grow and come out tax-free in retirement. Project your balance with the Roth IRA calculator.
2026 contribution limits
- $7,500 if under 50.
- $8,600 if 50 or older (with the $1,100 catch-up).
- You need earned income at least equal to your contribution.
Income limits
Direct contributions phase out at higher modified adjusted gross incomes, and the thresholds rise each year. Above the limit, many people use a backdoor Roth: contribute to a traditional IRA, then convert.
Withdrawal rules
- Contributions can be withdrawn any time, tax- and penalty-free.
- Earnings are tax-free after age 59½ and once the account has been open 5 years.
- Early earnings withdrawals may face tax plus a 10% penalty, with some exceptions (first home up to $10,000, disability).
No RMDs
Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions for the original owner.
The power of starting early
$7,500 a year from 25 to 65 at 7% grows to about $1.5 million – all tax-free.
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15 Nov 2026