Roth IRA MAGI Calculator

Determine your eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA for the 2026 tax year. This calculator computes your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) based on your income, filing status, and specific deductions to see if you fall within the IRS income limits. Simply enter your financial details to find out if you can make a full contribution, a partial contribution, or if your income is too high for direct contributions.

This tool is for anyone who is unsure if their income is too high to contribute to a Roth IRA, especially those who have received a raise, have variable income, or are close to the phase-out thresholds. If you find you are not eligible, you may want to explore other options with our Backdoor Roth IRA calculator or compare account types with our guide on Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA. A standard Roth IRA calculator can also help project your account's future growth.

After you calculate, you will see your precise MAGI, your maximum allowed 2026 Roth IRA contribution, and your eligibility status. The results also include a chart that visualizes how contribution limits change as MAGI increases, helping you understand exactly where you stand and how future income changes might affect your eligibility.

Start by entering your financial information in the "Income & Deductions" section. Your Gross Income is your total income from all sources before any deductions. Next, enter any Traditional IRA Deductions you plan to take, as these are added back when calculating MAGI. Do the same for the Student Loan Interest deduction and any Foreign Income Exclusion. These are common deductions that reduce your taxable income but must be included for the MAGI calculation.

Next, select your Filing Status. This is a critical input, as the MAGI limits are different for those who are Single or Head of Household versus those who are Married Filing Jointly. The calculator uses a "0" for Single/HOH and a "1" for Married Filing Jointly.

For a more precise calculation, open the "Advanced Settings" to include less common items that affect MAGI. Add your net Rental Income or Loss, Passive Income from sources like limited partnerships, and any Tax-Exempt Interest from municipal bonds. While not everyone has these, including them ensures the most accurate MAGI figure. Once all your information is entered, click "Calculate" to see your results.

Gross Income

This is your total income before taxes or other deductions are taken out. It includes wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, self-employment income, and investment income. This is the starting point for calculating both your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Enter your total expected income for the year.

Traditional IRA Deductions

If you contribute to a Traditional IRA and are eligible to deduct those contributions on your tax return, enter the deduction amount here. For the purpose of determining Roth IRA eligibility, the IRS requires you to add this deduction back to your AGI. This prevents using a Traditional IRA deduction to artificially lower your income to qualify for a Roth IRA. Learn more about the differences in our Roth vs. Traditional IRA guide.

Student Loan Interest & Foreign Income Exclusion

These are two other "above-the-line" deductions that reduce your AGI but must be added back for the MAGI calculation. Enter the amount of student loan interest you expect to deduct (up to the annual limit) and any foreign earned income you are excluding from your U.S. income tax.

Filing Status

Your tax filing status determines which set of MAGI phase-out rules apply to you. The income limits for individuals who are Single or Head of Household (HOH) are lower than for those who are Married Filing Jointly (MFJ). The limits for Married Filing Separately are much lower and more restrictive, so it's important to choose the correct status for an accurate result.

Advanced Inputs (Rental, Passive, Tax-Exempt)

These inputs fine-tune your MAGI calculation.

• Rental Income/Loss: The net income or loss from rental properties is included in MAGI.
• Passive Income: Income from activities in which you do not materially participate, such as limited partnerships, is also part of the calculation.
• Tax-Exempt Interest: Interest earned from sources like municipal bonds is not subject to federal income tax, but it is added back when calculating MAGI for Roth IRA purposes.

The calculator follows the IRS guidelines for determining Roth IRA contribution eligibility by first calculating your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). It begins with your Gross Income and subtracts certain "above-the-line" deductions to arrive at an estimated Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).

From there, it makes the "modifications" required for Roth IRA calculations. It adds back specific deductions you entered, such as deductible Traditional IRA contributions, student loan interest, and the foreign earned income exclusion. It also adds other income sources like tax-exempt interest and passive income. The result is your MAGI.

The calculator then compares your MAGI to the 2026 IRS phase-out range for your selected filing status.

• If your MAGI is below the range, you are eligible for the full contribution.
• If your MAGI is within the range, it calculates a pro-rated, reduced contribution amount.
• If your MAGI is above the range, you are not eligible for direct contributions.

The calculator does not account for catch-up contributions for those age 50 and over in its primary formula but provides this information in the results. The phase-out calculation applies to the standard contribution limit, and any allowable catch-up amount is added on top of the calculated limit.

This calculator uses IRS-defined formulas to determine your MAGI and your corresponding Roth IRA contribution limit.

MAGI Calculation

The formula starts with a simplified AGI and then adds back specific items to arrive at MAGI.

Estimated AGI = Gross Income - Traditional IRA Deductions - Student Loan Interest - Foreign Income Exclusion

MAGI = Estimated AGI + Traditional IRA Deductions + Student Loan Interest + Foreign Income Exclusion + Rental Income/Loss + Passive Income + Tax-Exempt Interest

Reduced Contribution Calculation (for Phase-Out Range)

If your MAGI falls within the phase-out range, your maximum contribution is reduced using the following formula.

Phase-Out Range = Phase-Out End Limit - Phase-Out Start Limit

Excess MAGI = Your MAGI - Phase-Out Start Limit

Reduction Percentage = Excess MAGI / Phase-Out Range

Contribution Reduction = Max Contribution Limit * Reduction Percentage

Your Max Contribution = Max Contribution Limit - Contribution Reduction

Note: The IRS requires the final reduced contribution amount to be rounded up to the next $10. If the calculation results in a limit greater than $0 but less than $200, the minimum allowed contribution is $200.

The ability to contribute to a Roth IRA is determined by your MAGI and filing status. For 2026, the IRS has set the following limits.

• Contribution Limit: The maximum you can contribute in 2026 is $7,000.
• Catch-Up Contribution: If you are age 50 or over, you can contribute an additional $1,000, for a total of $8,000, provided your MAGI is within the limits.

If your income is below the phase-out range, you can contribute the full amount. If it's within the range, your contribution is reduced. If it's above the range, you cannot contribute directly to a Roth IRA for that year.

Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is a figure used by the IRS to determine eligibility for certain tax deductions, credits, and retirement contributions, including those for a Roth IRA. It is not a line item that appears on your tax return.

MAGI starts with your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). AGI is your gross income minus a list of "above-the-line" deductions, such as contributions to a traditional IRA, student loan interest, or HSA contributions.

To get from AGI to MAGI, you must add back certain deductions you may have taken. For Roth IRA purposes, the most common add-backs are:

• Traditional IRA deductions
• Student loan interest deduction
• Foreign earned income exclusion
• Tuition and fees deduction
• Passive income or loss
• Rental losses
• Tax-exempt interest

Essentially, MAGI provides a broader measure of your available financial resources than AGI does. By adding back these specific deductions, the IRS prevents taxpayers from using them to lower their income just enough to qualify for benefits like Roth IRA contributions. Understanding your MAGI is crucial for effective retirement planning for beginners.

If the calculator shows your MAGI is above the limit, you cannot contribute directly to a Roth IRA. However, you still have excellent options for tax-advantaged retirement savings.

1. The Backdoor Roth IRA: This is a popular strategy for high-income earners. It involves making a non-deductible contribution to a Traditional IRA and then promptly converting that money to a Roth IRA. There are no income limits on Roth conversions. Be mindful of the "pro-rata rule" if you have existing pre-tax funds in other Traditional, SEP, or SIMPLE IRAs. Use our Backdoor Roth IRA calculator to see how it works.

2. Roth 401(k): If your employer offers a Roth 401(k), this is a fantastic alternative. Roth 401(k)s have no income limits for contributions. You can contribute up to the annual 401(k) limit ($23,500 in 2026, plus catch-up contributions if eligible). Use the Roth 401(k) calculator to compare it to a traditional 401(k).

3. Taxable Brokerage Account: While it doesn't offer the same tax benefits as a Roth IRA, a standard brokerage account provides flexibility and is still a powerful way to invest for retirement. You can invest in a tax-efficient manner by focusing on long-term capital gains.

4. Spousal Roth IRA: If you are married and file jointly, and your spouse has little or no earned income, you may be able to contribute to a Roth IRA on their behalf, provided your household MAGI is within the married filing jointly limits.

• Roth IRA Eligibility Score: This gauge gives you a quick visual summary. A high score means you are fully eligible, a mid-range score indicates a partial contribution, and a low score means you are not eligible for direct contributions.
• Your MAGI: This is the key number calculated from your inputs. It's the figure the IRS uses to determine your eligibility.
• Max Contribution: This shows the exact dollar amount you are allowed to contribute for 2026 based on your MAGI. It will be $7,000, a reduced amount, or $0.
• Phase-Out Status: This tells you clearly whether you are eligible for a "Full Contribution," in the "Phase-Out Range," or "Not Eligible."
• Contribution Limit by MAGI Chart: This bar chart shows the step-down in contribution limits across the phase-out range. The vertical line highlights your specific MAGI, so you can see how close you are to the next threshold.

If you are near or slightly above the MAGI limit, a few strategic moves could lower your MAGI and make you eligible to contribute.

• Maximize Pre-Tax Retirement Contributions: Contributions to a traditional 401(k) calculator, 403(b), or TSP reduce your AGI, which in turn reduces your MAGI. Increasing these contributions is one of the most effective ways to lower your MAGI.
• Contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA): If you have a high-deductible health plan, contributions to an HSA are an "above-the-line" deduction that lowers both AGI and MAGI.
• Contribute to a Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Contributions to a Dependent Care FSA or Health FSA are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income.
• Manage Investment Income: If you have a taxable brokerage account, consider tax-loss harvesting to offset capital gains, which can lower your AGI.

These strategies can help you manage your income to stay below the thresholds, allowing you to take advantage of the powerful tax-free growth a Roth IRA offers.

1. Confusing AGI with MAGI. The most common error is looking at your AGI and assuming it's the number that matters. You must add back specific deductions to calculate MAGI correctly.
2. Forgetting to Include All Income. MAGI includes all income sources, not just your salary. Bonuses, side-hustle income, and investment gains all count.
3. Contributing Too Much. If your income puts you in the phase-out range or makes you ineligible, contributing the full amount results in an excess contribution penalty of 6% per year on the excess amount until it's corrected.
4. Ignoring the Backdoor Roth IRA Strategy. Many high-income earners assume they are completely locked out of Roth accounts, but the Backdoor Roth IRA calculator shows a viable path for nearly everyone.
5. Using the Wrong Filing Status. The limits for "Married Filing Separately" are extremely low ($0 - $10,000). If you live with your spouse at any point during the year, this restrictive limit applies.