IRA Contribution Limits & Income Phase-Out Limits for 2022 and 2023

The 2022 IRA contribution limit (for traditional and Roth IRAs) is $6,000 if you're under age 50. The 2022 IRA catch-up contribution limit is $7,000 if you're age 50 or older.

The 2023 IRA contribution limit for (traditional and Roth IRAs) is the same at $6,000 if you're under age 50. The 2023 IRA catch-up contribution limit is $7,000 if you're age 50 or older.

But, these contribution limits may be lower depending on your income and whether you have a traditional or Roth IRA.

IRA Income and Deduction Limits

Due to the difference in tax benefits from a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, contribution limits are applied differently as well.

With a traditional IRA, you're allowed to deduct contributions. You can contribute up to the annual limit, but the maximum deduction may be reduced to $0 -- based on your income.

With a Roth IRA, your contributions are made with post-tax dollars. So, the maximum contribution may be reduced to $0 -- based on your income.

The income and deduction limits for traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs are based on your modified adjusted gross income:

2022 and 2023 Traditional IRA Deduction Limits (based on income)

2022 and 2023 Roth IRA Contribution Limits (based on income)

2022 IRA Contribution Deadline

The 2022 IRA contribution deadline is Monday, April 17, 2023.

It is often known as "Tax Day" -- the same day as the deadline for filing your 2022 tax return.

2023 IRA Contribution Deadline

The 2023 IRA contribution deadline is Monday, April 15, 2024.

Again, this is the same day that standard tax returns are due.

What If You Contribute Over the Limit?

Many people find that they've overcontributed to their IRAs if their income increased significantly or their tax-filing status changed during the year.

If you contributed over your limit before filing your tax return, you can simply withdraw the excess amount.

Remember:

With a traditional IRA, you can still contribute the maximum for the year, but you cannot get the full deduction.

If you contributed over your limit after filing your tax return, there are two ways to fix it:

1. Withdraw the excess contribution and any earnings. Then, file an amended tax return by October 15.
2. Reduce your contributions for the next year by the overcontributed amount. You will pay a penalty of 6% on the overcontributed amount for each year that the excess contribution isn't addressed.

Historical IRA Contribution Limits

How to Choose Between a Traditional vs. Roth IRA

Choosing between a traditional and Roth IRA depends entirely on your circumstances and outlook.

If you qualify for both account types, the main difference is the tax advantage you receive for contributing to these accounts.

Traditional IRA contributions may offer you a deduction today. That means you don’t pay taxes on the money you contribute if you qualify.

Unfortunately, you must eventually pay taxes. When you withdraw money in retirement, you must pay ordinary income taxes on all amounts withdrawn.

These account types may be a good fit if you expect the tax rates you pay now to be higher than the tax rates you’ll pay in retirement.

Roth IRAs work differently. You don’t get a deduction today for contributing to these accounts. Instead, you get to take qualified withdrawals tax-free in retirement as long as you follow the rules.

These accounts may be a better fit for those that expect tax rates to be higher in retirement than they are today. This way, you pay the taxes now and never pay taxes again assuming you follow the rules and laws don’t change.

While this is a simplified look at how to decide, there are other factors to consider. You should consult with a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor if you’re unsure which account is best for you.

Is it possible to contribute to both types in the same year?

You can contribute to both a traditional and a Roth IRA in the same year, assuming you qualify.

The $6,000 contribution limit, or $7,000 for those age 50 or older, applies to all IRAs.

This means you cannot contribute $6,000 to a traditional IRA and another $6,000 to a Roth IRA.

You could contribute $4,000 to a traditional IRA and $2,000 to a Roth IRA, if you qualify.

Don’t Forget About Other Retirement Plans

While investing in an IRA may be a smart move for your situation, don’t forget about the other retirement plans you have access to. If your workplace offers a retirement plan, it may give you additional opportunities to invest even more money in a tax-advantaged manner.

Self-employed individuals and small business owners may also be able to set up their own retirement plans. These can offer the ability to put away large sums of money depending on which type you decide to set up.

If you need help figuring out how to maximize your tax-advantaged savings, consider consulting a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor for help. They can create a financial plan to help you meet your retirement saving and other financial goals. They may even identity other saving opportunities, such as the saver credit.