Introduction

• The government changes Roth IRA contribution limits year to year.
• In this article, you will find Roth IRA contribution rules for 2019 and 2020.
• First, let’s start with a few definitions to make sure we are all on the same page.

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is an investment account that allows you to invest after-tax money now, and then withdraw it tax-free later. Moreover, both your initial investments and your interest grow tax-free, and are taken out tax-free, if all the Roth Rules are followed.

In other words, you cannot deduct the money you put into a Roth IRA from your tax base the year you put it in. However, if you follow all the rules, you can take all the money (principal and interest) out of a Roth tax-free.

You can find the official IRS webpage for Roth IRA’s here.

What are the 2019 & 2020 Roth IRA Contribution Limits?

• In addition, if you make less than that amount of money in the year, then you can only contribute the amount of taxable income you had for the year. However, this rule includes your spouse, if you file a joint tax return. In other words, if you don’t make money (or just make a little), but your spouse does, then you can still contribute up to the max levels for both of you. Assuming your spouse makes more than the limits.
• The IRA contributions do not apply to rollovers.
• Finally, contribution limits apply to both of your traditional and Roth IRAs combined. (This is separate from your 401ks held with employers.)

Who can Contribute to a Roth IRA?

You can contribute at any age, as long as you or your spouse earn income that is taxable, and your adjusted income levels are under a certain amount. (Click here to learn what the IRS considers your “Adjusted” income amount.)

2019 Annual Income Roth IRA Contribution Limits

• You can contribute the max limit to a Roth if your income is:
  • Single = Under $122,000
  • Joint-Filed Married = $193,000
• You can contribute a reduced amount if your income is between:
  • Single = > $122,000 but < $137,000
  • Joint-Filed Married = > $193,000 but < $203,000
• You cannot contribute if you make over:
  • Single = $137,000
  • Joint-Filed Married = $203,000

2020 Annual Income Roth IRA Contribution Limits

• You can contribute the max limit to a Roth if your income is:
  • Single = Under $124,000
  • Joint-Filed Married =$196,000
• You can contribute a reduced amount if your income is between:
  • Single = > $124,000 but < $139,000
  • Joint-Filed Married = > $196,000 but < $206,000
• You cannot contribute if you make over:
  • Single = $139,000
  • Joint-Filed Married = $206,000

These are numbers for Married Filling-Jointly, For married filing separately (living with spouse at any time in the year), then you have to make less than $10,000 to contribute in both 2019 and 2020.

Are there Roth IRA Contribution Limits on Age?

Finally, there is no age limit on when you can contribute to a Roth. This is different than a traditional IRA where the age limit is 70.5 years old.

When can I take Money out?

You can start taking your money out of a Roth IRA without any penalties anytime after you turn 59 1/2 years old. Good news for people who want to retire early!

However, you are allowed to withdraw your money at any time. Just be aware of any penalties or taxes you might have to pay if you are withdrawing it early.

But, do I have to take money out?

Unlike Traditional IRAs, you do not have to take money out until after the death of the owner. This is because you have already paid your taxes on this money.

There are required minimum distributions on all other IRAs after 70 1/2 years old. This is because you have not yet paid taxes on this money, and the government wants its taxes!

Further Reading

Please reference the following articles to help you further on your retirement planning:

• The New Rules of Retirement
• The Best Retirement Books
• Life Insurance in Retirement?
• What is an IUL?
• What is Medicare?

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