Roth IRA Qualification Calculator
Answer a few questions about your income, filing status, and employment to find out if you qualify for a Roth IRA — and exactly how much you can contribute.
Eligibility Check
Answer each question below
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Eligibility Checklist
IRS Qualification Rules at a Glance
You must have taxable compensation — wages, salaries, tips, self-employment income, or combat pay. Investment income, pensions, and Social Security alone do not qualify.
Your modified adjusted gross income must fall below the IRS thresholds for your filing status. Above the upper limit, you cannot contribute directly (but backdoor Roth is available).
Your contribution cannot exceed your earned income for the year OR the IRS annual limit ($7,000 under 50, $8,000 at 50+), whichever is less.
What Counts as Earned Income for Roth IRA Purposes
The IRS has a specific definition of "earned income" that determines your eligibility. Not all money you receive during the year qualifies. Understanding which income types count — and which do not — is essential before opening or contributing to a Roth IRA.
Qualifies as Earned Income
- • W-2 wages and salary
- • Self-employment net income (Schedule C)
- • Tips and commissions
- • Bonuses and overtime pay
- • Taxable alimony (pre-2019 agreements)
- • Military combat zone pay (by election)
- • Taxable fellowship and stipend income
Does NOT Qualify
- • Investment income (dividends, interest, gains)
- • Rental income
- • Pension or annuity payments
- • Social Security benefits
- • Unemployment compensation
- • Child support received
- • Passive business income (limited partner)
Special Qualification Scenarios
Certain life situations create unique eligibility questions. Here are the most common special cases and how the IRS handles them.
🎓 College Students
Students with part-time jobs, internships, or freelance income can open a Roth IRA. Scholarships and grants do not count as earned income, but if you work a campus job or summer internship, those wages qualify. Contributing even small amounts during college gives you a massive head start on compound growth.
💍 Non-Working Spouses
If you file jointly and your spouse has enough earned income, you can open a spousal Roth IRA even with zero personal income. Each spouse can contribute up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+), so a couple can put away $14,000–$16,000 per year total in Roth IRAs.
🏠 Self-Employed & Freelancers
Your net self-employment income (after deducting the employer-equivalent portion of self-employment tax) counts as earned income. You can contribute to a Roth IRA on top of a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. Both accounts have separate limits and can be used simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed answers about Roth IRA qualification rules, edge cases, and contribution limits.
You need taxable earned income (wages, self-employment, tips, etc.) and your MAGI must be below the IRS income limits. There is no minimum age requirement (minors can have custodial Roth IRAs) and no maximum age — you can contribute at any age as long as you have earned income.
No. Investment income such as dividends, interest, capital gains, rental income, and pensions does not count as earned income for Roth IRA purposes. You must have wages, salaries, tips, self-employment income, or other compensation from work.
No. If you file jointly and the working spouse has enough earned income to cover both contributions, the non-working spouse can contribute to their own Roth IRA. This is called a spousal IRA and allows couples to double their tax-free retirement savings.
Yes, as long as they have earned income from a job, freelancing, or a family business. A custodial Roth IRA can be opened in the minor's name with a parent or guardian managing it. The contribution is limited to the lesser of $7,000 or their total earned income for the year.
You must remove the excess contribution plus any earnings on it before your tax filing deadline (including extensions). Otherwise, you will owe a 6% excise tax on the excess amount for each year it remains in the account. Your brokerage can help process the removal.
Yes. Having a pension, 403(b), 457, TSP, or any other employer plan does not disqualify you from contributing to a Roth IRA. The only limiting factors are your earned income and your MAGI relative to the IRS thresholds.