The IRS has some good news for workers who use traditional or Roth IRAs to save for retirement. In 2024, you can contribute an additional $500 to either account. It’s the second consecutive increase, bringing the total annual contribution limit to $7,000. Those age 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000.

The income ranges on IRAs are also higher in 2024, allowing you to earn more money and still take advantage of the tax-free Roth account or the tax-deferred traditional IRA.

You will also be able to save more through workplace retirement plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s in 2024 thanks to the annual adjustments. Here’s what else you need to know.

Good news for IRA contribution limits

For 2024, the annual contribution limits on IRAs increased by $500, bringing the total to $7,000. Those aged 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution, the same amount as in 2023.

Maximum contributions to employer-sponsored plans also got a boost to $23,000 for 2024, including popular 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Those age 50 and older can make catch-up contributions of $7,500.

The contribution limit on a SIMPLE IRA, another workplace plan, also increased to $16,000 from $15,500 in 2023.

Higher income limits for IRAs

Income limits are also higher  — albeit modestly — for IRAs. For 2024, the limits on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to be eligible for a Roth IRA can be seen in the table below.

FILING STATUS MAXIMUM INCOME FOR FULL CONTRIBUTION TO ROTH IRA PHASES OUT AT
Individual, head of household $146,000 $161,000
Married filing jointly $230,000 $240,000

In 2023, the Roth IRA limits were $138,000 to $153,000 for individuals and heads of household, and $218,000 to $228,000 for married couples filing jointly.

If your income is too high and you still want to take advantage of the account, you may be able to use a backdoor Roth IRA, but you’ll want to be careful about the tax consequences.

For traditional IRAs, the limits on MAGI for deducting contributions to an IRA also increased in 2024. Note that these limits apply only if the person making the contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan.

FILING STATUS MAXIMUM INCOME FOR FULLY DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION DEDUCTIBILITY PHASES OUT AT
Individual, head of household $77,000 $87,000
Married filing jointly $123,000 $143,000

If you and your spouse are not covered by an employer plan, your contributions are fully deductible regardless of your income.

Income limits are only one difference between the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. Here are other key differences and which account is better for investors.

Bottom line

High inflation has increased the cost of living, so the IRS allows you to save more towards retirement because you’ll need to put away more to maintain your standard of living. If you can, try to max out your employer-sponsored plans and your IRA. You might also consider a health savings account, which can be invested and comes with several tax advantages.