US Roth IRA Calculator
Check Roth IRA eligibility with MAGI phase-outs, compensation caps, and age-based catch-up limits. Enter contributions, returns, fees, and inflation to project balances to retirement. View a year-by-year table, then export CSV or PDF for planning.
Developed by: Nohman Habib
Example Data
Use this sample to understand typical inputs and outputs.
| Tax year | Filing status | MAGI | Age | Contribution plan | Return / Fees | Retirement age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Single / Head of Household | $90,000 | 30 | $500 monthly | 7% / 0.25% | 65 |
| 2026 | Married Filing Jointly | $245,000 | 52 | $700 monthly | 6% / 0.50% | 67 |
Formula
- Annual IRA limit: Base limit + catch-up (age 50+), then capped by taxable compensation.
- Phase-out reduction (when MAGI is within the range): Reduced = Limit − (Limit × (MAGI − Lower) / (Upper − Lower)). Then round up to the nearest $10; if the result is between $1 and $199, treat it as $200.
- Net return: Net = Expected return − Fees.
- Projection (annual): EndBalance ≈ Balance × (1 + Net) + Contribution × (1 + Net/2).
- Inflation-adjusted balance: RealBalance = NominalBalance / (1 + Inflation)^(Years).
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the tax year to apply the correct Roth IRA limit and phase-out range.
- Choose your filing status and enter your MAGI and taxable compensation.
- Enter your current age, retirement age, and current Roth IRA balance.
- Set your contribution amount and frequency, then add an annual increase if desired.
- Enter expected return, fees, and inflation to model growth and purchasing power.
- Click Calculate to view results, then download CSV or PDF if needed.
FAQs
1) Why does the calculator limit my contribution?
Roth IRA contributions are capped by annual IRS limits, your taxable compensation, and income-based phase-outs. If MAGI is too high, the allowed contribution may be reduced or become zero.
2) What is MAGI, and why is it used?
MAGI is modified adjusted gross income. The IRS uses it to determine Roth IRA eligibility and how much your annual contribution is reduced when your income falls within the phase-out range.
3) Why is there a minimum reduced contribution like $200?
When the phase-out calculation produces a small positive amount, the IRS worksheet rounds up to the nearest $10 and uses $200 as a minimum when the reduced limit is between $1 and $199.
4) Can I contribute if I’m married filing separately?
If you lived with your spouse during the year and file separately, the phase-out range is very small, and contributions may be reduced quickly. If you did not live with your spouse, the single phase-out range is typically used.
5) Does this projection guarantee my retirement balance?
No. The projection is a model based on your inputs, and market returns can vary widely. It is most useful for comparing scenarios by changing return, fee, inflation, and contribution assumptions.
6) Why does the PDF table show fewer years than the CSV?
The PDF is text-only and meant for a quick summary, so the year-by-year table is truncated. The CSV download includes the full projection table for easier analysis.