Retirement calculator
How much may a nonworking or lower-earning spouse still contribute to an IRA for 2026?
Estimate how much a spouse may still contribute based on age, joint taxable compensation, and both spouses’ IRA contributions.
Before you calculate
How much may a nonworking or lower-earning spouse still contribute to an IRA for 2026?
A spouse may be able to contribute to an IRA using joint taxable compensation even with little or no compensation of their own. This calculator applies the 2026 individual limit, the age-50 catch-up amount, contributions already made, and the combined compensation ceiling without assuming that a Roth contribution or traditional IRA deduction is allowed.
Before you act on the number
Use the result to identify which assumption needs verification, then bring that question to the professional helping you make the decision.
Transparent method
Start with the 2026 individual IRA limit and add the age-50 catch-up amount when the spouse reaches age 50 by year-end.
Subtract traditional and Roth IRA contributions already made for that spouse because the individual limit applies across both account types.
Cap both spouses’ combined IRA contributions at entered joint taxable compensation and show the smaller remaining amount as possible additional capacity.
Common questions
Not necessarily. On a joint return, combined eligible taxable compensation may support contributions for both spouses, subject to the individual and combined limits.
The 2026 limit is $7,500, plus a $1,100 catch-up contribution for someone age 50 or older by year-end.
No. It is a traditional or Roth IRA owned by the contributing spouse. The term describes the compensation rule, not joint ownership.
No. Traditional IRA deductibility and direct Roth IRA eligibility depend on separate income and workplace-plan rules.
Sources
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