Contribution Limits
The maximum amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA depends on your age and income. These are the correct Roth IRA contribution limits for 2009 and 2010. This limit can be split between a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA, but the combined total of your contributions to your Traditional and Roth IRAs cannot exceed this limit.
- Under age 49 at the end of the year: $5,000
- Age 50 or older by the end of the year: $6,000
Income Limits
You are only eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA if your adjusted gross income (AGI) falls under certain limits. These limits depend on your tax filing status.
- Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er): You can make a full contribution if your AGI is less than $166,000 (or $167,000 in 2010). If your AGI is more than $176,000 (or $177,000 in 2010), you cannot make a contribution to a Roth IRA. If your AGI is between $166,000 and $176,000 (or between $167,000 and $177,000 in 2010), then the amount you can contribute is reduced proportionately.
- Married Filing Separately but you lived with your spouse at any time during the year: If your AGI is more than $10,000 (same in 2010), you cannot make a contribution to a Roth IRA. If your AGI is between $0 and $10,000 (same in 2010), then the amount you can contribute is reduced proportionately.
- Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separately and you did not live with your spouse at any time during the year: You can make a full contribution if your AGI is less than $105,000 (same in 2010). If your AGI is more than $120,000 (same in 2010), you cannot make a contribution to a Roth IRA. If your AGI is between $105,000 and $120,000 (same in 2010), then the amount you can contribute is reduced proportionately.
Deadline for Contributions
Contributions for a year can be made any time that year or until the due date of your tax return for that year. Contributions for 2009 must be made between January 1, 2009 and April 15, 2010. Contributions for 2010 must be made between January 1, 2010 and April 15, 2011. You can designate for which year (current or previous) you are making contributions if you contribute between January 1 and April 15.
Tax Deduction for Contributions
There is no tax deduction for Roth IRA contributions. However, you may be eligible for the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit.
