Spousal IRA Calculator

Calculate spousal IRA contribution limits and projected growth for non-working spouses.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS

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IRA Type
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Max Annual Contribution

$7,500.00

Projected Balance at 65

$872,231.64

Spousal IRA Details

Contribution Limit (2026)$7,500.00
Actual Contribution$7,500.00
Years to Age 6530 years
Filing RequirementMarried Filing Jointly
Projected at 65$872,231.64

Use the Spousal IRA Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

When one spouse earns income and the other does not, the household can still fund two retirement accounts thanks to the Spousal IRA rules. This tool shows how much the non-working spouse may contribute and projects how those tax-advantaged dollars could grow over time, helping both partners build toward a secure retirement. For 2026, the maximum IRA contribution is $7,000 for those under 50 and $8,000 for those 50 and over.

The maximum allowable contribution is calculated from the working spouse's earned income and the non-working spouse's age, keeping you within IRS limits. From there, the tool projects the future value by applying your chosen annual rate of return, compounded annually across the investment horizon you specify. It relies on the standard compound interest formula, FV = PV * (1 + r)^n, where FV is future value, PV is present value (total contributions), r is the annual rate of return, and n is the number of years.

Spousal IRA contributions are capped by the working spouse's earned income, which must at least equal the combined amount put into both accounts. Overshooting the contribution limits can trigger penalties, so it pays to verify your numbers before filing. And because the projected growth is only an estimate, treat the result as a planning figure rather than a promise, since real returns depend on market performance and the investments you choose.

Example: Sarah & Tom's Retirement Planning

  1. 1 Tom (45, working) earns $80,000 annually. His wife, Sarah (43, non-working), wants to contribute to a Spousal IRA. They plan to invest for 20 years with an estimated annual return of 7%.
  2. 2 The calculator determines Sarah can contribute the maximum of $7,000 for 2026. This $7,000, compounded annually at 7% over 20 years, is calculated as $7,000 * (1 + 0.07)^20.
  3. 3 After 20 years, Sarah's initial $7,000 contribution could grow to approximately $27,109. This projection assumes consistent contributions and returns.
  4. 4 This example demonstrates the power of long-term investing in a Spousal IRA, allowing non-working spouses to build substantial retirement savings. Consistent contributions over time, even modest ones, can lead to significant wealth accumulation due to the effect of compounding. Remember to factor in future contributions and their growth for a more comprehensive retirement plan.

Source: IRS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-working spouse contribute to an IRA?
Yes. A spousal IRA allows a non-working or low-earning spouse to contribute up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+) in 2026, as long as the working spouse has enough earned income to cover both contributions and they file jointly.
Can a spousal IRA be a Roth IRA?
Yes. The spousal IRA can be either Traditional or Roth, subject to the same income limits and rules as any IRA. Roth is often ideal for a non-working spouse since they are likely in a lower tax bracket currently.
Does a spousal IRA count as a joint account?
No. The spousal IRA is an individual account owned solely by the non-working spouse. Each spouse must have their own separate IRA. The accounts cannot be jointly titled, and each person controls their own account.

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