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Free · Pre-tax · 2026 limits

Traditional IRA calculator

Project your Traditional IRA at retirement with pre-tax contributions, tax-deferred growth, and 2026 IRS limits. Deduct now, pay tax on withdrawals at 73+.

2026 Traditional IRA limits · IRS Pub 590-A · Notice 2025-67
$7,500 contribution · $8,600 if 50+ · deduction phase-out at $81–$91k single
Traditional IRA deduction phase-out for 2026 (covered by workplace plan): single $81,000–$91,000 MAGI, married filing jointly $129,000–$149,000. Above the ceiling the contribution still works but loses the deduction — it becomes a non-deductible basis you'll need to track on Form 8606 forever.
We surface the non-deductible scenario because Form 8606 errors are the most common multi-decade tax mistake in IRA-land — and a bad calculator default is usually how it starts.

Traditional vs Roth IRA — the tax timing trade

Traditional IRA: contributions are tax-deductible (subject to income limits if you have a workplace plan), growth is tax-deferred, and withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. Roth IRA flips it — pay tax now, never again.

The math is symmetric if your tax bracket today equals your tax bracket at withdrawal. Pick Traditional if you're in your peak earning years (24–37% bracket) and expect a lower retirement bracket. Pick Roth if early-career or expecting higher future income.

2026 deduction phase-outs (if covered by workplace plan)

  • Single covered by 401(k): deduction phases out $81,000–$91,000 MAGI
  • Married joint, you're covered: $129,000–$149,000 MAGI
  • Married joint, spouse covered: $242,000–$252,000 MAGI
  • Not covered by workplace plan: fully deductible at any income

Required Minimum Distributions

At age 73 (SECURE 2.0), you must start withdrawing from your Traditional IRA each year. The first-year RMD divisor is 26.5, so on $1M you'd withdraw about $37,700. Skip an RMD and the IRS hits you with a 25% penalty (reduced to 10% if corrected quickly).

Roth IRAs have no lifetime RMDs — one reason to convert Traditional → Roth in low-income years before RMDs kick in.

IRA Calculator FAQ

How much can I contribute to a Traditional IRA in 2026?

$7,500 if under 50, $8,600 with the $1,100 catch-up if 50 or older. This limit is shared with the Roth IRA — combined contributions to all your IRAs can't exceed it.

Is my IRA contribution tax-deductible?

Fully deductible if neither you nor your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan. If covered, the deduction phases out based on MAGI (see phase-out table above). You can always contribute, but the deduction may be limited or denied.

What's the tax hit when I withdraw from a Traditional IRA?

Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income at your marginal rate in the year of withdrawal. Before age 59½, add a 10% early-withdrawal penalty. After 73, you must take Required Minimum Distributions or face a 25% penalty.

Can I do a Traditional → Roth conversion?

Yes. You pay ordinary income tax on the converted amount in the year you convert, then it grows tax-free in the Roth. Common strategies: convert during low-income years (early retirement, sabbatical) or fill up the 12% bracket each year.

Traditional IRA vs 401(k) — should I prioritize one?

Get the 401(k) match first. Then choose IRA over 401(k) if your 401(k) has high fees or limited fund choices. Otherwise max the 401(k) ($24,500 vs $7,500) for the bigger pre-tax shelter.

Can I have both a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?

Yes — but combined contributions across both accounts can't exceed $7,500 ($8,600 with catch-up). Splitting ($3,750 each) is a way to build tax diversification.

Related calculators

Roth IRA calculator
Tax-free retirement growth.
401(k) calculator
Higher pre-tax limits with match.
RMD calculator
Required Minimum Distributions at 73.
Retirement calculator
Combined retirement target.

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