Spousal IRA Contribution Rules: Funding an IRA for a Non-Working Spouse
Your spouse doesn't work? They can still have an IRA. Learn the spousal IRA rules for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- 1Non-working spouse can have their own IRA funded by working spouse's income
- 2Must file taxes jointly (Married Filing Jointly)
- 3Same contribution limits as regular IRA ($7,000 + $1,000 catch-up)
- 4Choose Traditional or Roth based on same criteria
- 5Working spouse must have earned income ≥ total IRA contributions
- 6The IRA is owned by the non-working spouse
- 7Great way to double household retirement savings
What Is a Spousal IRA?
A spousal IRA allows a working spouse to contribute to an IRA on behalf of a non-working or low-income spouse.
- **Not a special account type**: Just a regular Traditional or Roth IRA
- **Funded by working spouse's income**: Non-working spouse doesn't need earned income
- **Owned by non-working spouse**: It's their account, their money
- **Same rules**: Same limits, same tax treatment as any IRA
- **Purpose**: Lets both spouses build retirement savings
Double Your Savings
With spousal IRA, a couple can contribute $14,000/year to IRAs ($16,000 if both are 50+) even if only one spouse works.
Spousal IRA Requirements
To contribute to a spousal IRA, you must meet these requirements.
- **Married Filing Jointly**: Must file joint tax return
- **Working spouse has earned income**: Wages, salaries, self-employment income
- **Enough income**: Working spouse's earned income ≥ total IRA contributions for both
- **Under age 73**: No age limit for contributions (pre-SECURE 2.0 was 70½)
- **Not covered by reason of age**: Contributions must be before April 15 of following year
Income Requirement Example
If you want to contribute $7,000 to your IRA and $7,000 to spousal IRA, the working spouse needs at least $14,000 of earned income.
2024 Spousal IRA Contribution Limits
Spousal IRAs have the same limits as regular IRAs.
- Each spouse has their own limit
- Couple under 50: up to $14,000 total
- Both 50+: up to $16,000 total
- Deadline: April 15 of following year
| Age | Contribution Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $7,000 | Standard limit |
| 50 or older | $8,000 | Includes $1,000 catch-up |
Exploring your retirement options?
Our 60-second quiz matches you with the right account type
Traditional vs Roth Spousal IRA
Choose based on current and expected future tax situations.
| Factor | Traditional | Roth |
|---|---|---|
| Tax deduction now | Yes (if eligible) | No |
| Tax-free withdrawals | No | Yes (qualified) |
| Income limits | For deduction only | For contribution |
| RMDs | Yes, at 73 | No |
| Best if | Higher tax bracket now | Lower tax bracket now |
Roth Often Best for Spousal
If the non-working spouse is in a lower tax bracket, Roth often makes sense. No tax deduction is needed (lower income), and future withdrawals are tax-free.
How to Set Up a Spousal IRA
Setting up a spousal IRA is straightforward.
- 1Non-working spouse opens an IRA account in their own name
- 2Choose Traditional or Roth based on tax situation
- 3Fund the account (money can come from joint account)
- 4Contribution counts against non-working spouse's limit
- 5Ensure combined contributions don't exceed working spouse's earned income
- 6File taxes jointly to qualify
- 7Report contribution on non-working spouse's Form 5498
Spousal Gold IRA
A spousal IRA can invest in physical gold through a self-directed IRA custodian.
- Non-working spouse can have their own Gold IRA
- Same contribution limits apply
- Self-directed custodian required for physical gold
- Diversifies household retirement holdings
- Both spouses can have Gold IRAs
- Augusta Precious Metals helps set up spousal Gold IRAs
Frequently Asked Questions
1Can both spouses contribute to IRAs if one doesn't work?
Yes! That's exactly what the spousal IRA rule allows. The working spouse's income can fund IRAs for both spouses, up to the limits.
2Does the non-working spouse need any income?
No. As long as the working spouse has enough earned income to cover both contributions, the non-working spouse needs no income at all.
3What if the non-working spouse has a small part-time job?
They can still use the spousal IRA rule. Any earned income they have, plus the working spouse's income, determines the total they can contribute.
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