Roth IRA Growth Calculator
A Roth IRA is the best retirement account for many younger workers. You contribute after-tax money, it grows tax-free, and withdrawals in retirement are 100% tax-free. This calculator shows your projected balance and tax-free income.
2026 Roth IRA Contribution Limits
| Age | Annual Limit |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $7,000 |
| 50 and older | $8,000 |
2026 Income Eligibility
| Filing Status | Full Contribution | Phase-Out Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Under $146,000 | $146,000 - $161,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Under $230,000 | $230,000 - $240,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | Under $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Worked Example: $7,000/year for 30 years
- Annual contribution: $7,000
- Assumed return: 7%
- Time horizon: 30 years
- Projected balance: $662,000
- Total contributed: $210,000
- Tax-free growth: $452,000
- All withdrawals in retirement: tax-free
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA
| Feature | Roth IRA | Traditional IRA |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution | After-tax | Pre-tax (deductible) |
| Withdrawals | Tax-free | Taxed as income |
| Income limits | Yes (phase-out) | Yes for deduction |
| Required distributions | None (owner) | Yes at 73 |
| Best for | Younger/lower tax bracket | Older/higher tax bracket |
Roth IRA Rules to Know
- 5-year rule: Contributions can be withdrawn anytime; earnings require 5 years + age 59 1/2
- No required minimum distributions for the original owner
- Backdoor Roth allows high earners to contribute (with pro-rata rules)
- Spousal IRA allows non-working spouse to contribute
- Inherited Roths have complex 10-year distribution rules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Roth IRA limit?
$7,000 ($8,000 if 50+), subject to income phase-outs.
Can I contribute if I am self-employed?
Yes - and you can also use a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k) alongside.
What is a backdoor Roth?
Contributing to a traditional IRA (non-deductible), then converting to Roth. Legal but subject to pro-rata rules.
When can I withdraw tax-free?
Age 59 1/2 AND at least 5 years since your first contribution.
Can I have both Roth IRA and 401(k)?
Yes - the Roth IRA limit is separate from the 401(k) limit.
What happens if I earn too much?
You can do a backdoor Roth, or contribute to a traditional IRA (but the deduction may be limited).