A Roth IRA lets you invest for retirement using after-tax dollars, with the potential for tax-free growth and withdrawals. But not everyone qualifies to contribute. To be eligible, your income must fall below the IRS income limits for the year.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 2025 contribution rules, income thresholds, and what to do if you earn too much to qualify.
📌 Also Read: What Is An IRA? (Types Of IRAs, Rules, And Eligibility)
Your Flexible Path to Retirement Savings with an IRA
Whether you prefer a Traditional or Roth IRA, Carry can give you more control. Enjoy tax-advantaged investing* and access to a wider range of options (including stocks, real estate, and crypto) all in one streamlined platform.
LEARN MORE*Eligibility and tax treatment depend on your individual situation. Carry does not provide tax advice, consult a tax advisor. Carry Advisors LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, provides investment advisory services for discretionary and non-discretionary accounts (e.g., Solo 401(k), IRA, taxable brokerage accounts). Bank and trust accounts are not advised by Carry Advisors. Brokerage accounts are introduced by Global Carry LLC and carried by DriveWealth LLC, both members FINRA/SIPC. Advisory fees may apply and additional disclosures are described in our Form ADV and CRS.
2025 Roth IRA Contribution Limits
The maximum amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA in 2025 is:
- $7,000 if you’re under age 50
- $8,000 if you’re age 50 or older (includes a $1,000 catch-up contribution)
To contribute at all, your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must fall within the IRS phase-out ranges based on your tax filing status.
Roth IRA Income Limits for 2025
For Single Filers
- If your MAGI is $150,000 or less, you can contribute the full amount.
- If your MAGI is over $150,000 but less than $165,000, your contribution is reduced.
- If your MAGI is $165,000 or more, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.
For Joint Filers (Married Filing Jointly)
- If your combined MAGI is $236,000 or less, you can contribute the full amount.
- If your MAGI is over $236,000 but less than $246,000, your contribution is reduced.
- If your MAGI is $246,000 or more, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA.
📌 Also Read: What is a Roth IRA
Quick Comparison: 2024 vs 2025 Roth IRA Limits
| Tax Year | Max Contribution (Under 50) | Max Contribution (50+) | Single Phase-Out Range | Joint Phase-Out Range |
| 2024 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $146,000 to $161,000 | $230,000 to $240,000 |
| 2025 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $150,000 to $165,000 | $236,000 to $246,000 |
📝 Note: The contribution limits remained the same, but the income phase-out ranges increased slightly for 2025.
What If You Earn Too Much for a Roth IRA?
If your income is too high to contribute directly to a Roth IRA, you still have options to access Roth benefits.
Backdoor Roth IRA
You can contribute to a Traditional IRA, then convert those funds into a Roth IRA. This strategy is called a Backdoor Roth IRA. While Traditional IRA contributions may not be deductible if your income is high, Roth conversions have no income limits.
📝 Note: IRA contribution limits still apply: $7,000 (or $8,000 if you’re age 50 or older).
Mega Backdoor Roth IRA
If you have access to a 401k or Solo 401k that allows after-tax contributions and in-service conversions, you may be able to contribute significantly more through a Mega Backdoor Roth IRA. This advanced strategy is ideal if you’re looking to maximize Roth contributions beyond the standard IRA limits.
Wrapping It Up
Roth IRAs offer powerful tax advantages, but your ability to contribute depends on your income. For 2025, the IRS has increased the income phase-out ranges, allowing more earners to qualify. Even if your income exceeds the direct contribution limits, strategies like the Backdoor Roth IRA or Mega Backdoor Roth IRA can help you still get money into a Roth account and potentially benefit from tax-free retirement growth.
📌 For more retirement planning insights and up-to-date guides, check out these articles:
Disclaimer:
The Carry Learning Center is operated by The Vibes Company Inc. (“Vibes”) and contains generalized educational content about personal finance topics. While Vibes provides educational content and technology services, all investment advisory services discussed on this website are provided exclusively through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carry Advisors LLC (“Carry Advisors”), an SEC registered investment adviser. The information contained on the Carry Learning Center should not be construed as personalized investment advice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security or engage in a particular investment, accounting, tax or legal strategy. Vibes is not providing tax, legal, accounting, or investment advice. You should consult with qualified tax, legal, accounting, and investment professionals regarding your specific situation.
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