A spousal IRA lets a non-working or low-earning spouse contribute to their own IRA based on the working spouse’s compensation, filing a joint return.
How it works
The maximum spousal contribution is the smaller of the annual IRA contribution limit or the working spouse’s taxable compensation.
What this does not include
This computes the contribution limit only — this site’s separate Roth IRA contribution limit calculator covers the income-based phase-out that can still reduce a spousal Roth IRA contribution even when compensation is high enough.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the working spouse’s taxable compensation and the annual IRA contribution limit.
Frequently asked questions
Does the couple need to file jointly to use a spousal IRA?
Yes — a spousal IRA contribution requires filing a joint tax return; it isn’t available to couples filing separately.
Can both spouses contribute the full limit using a spousal IRA?
Yes, as long as combined compensation covers both contributions — each spouse can contribute up to the individual limit into their own separate IRA.
Does a spousal IRA have to be a traditional IRA?
No — it can be either a traditional or Roth IRA, subject to the same income-based Roth eligibility rules that apply to any Roth contribution.
