Can I keep contributing to an IRA or 401(k) after I retire?

Since 2020 there is no age limit on regular contributions to traditional or Roth IRAs. The catch is compensation: you can contribute up to the annual limit or your taxable compensation for the year, whichever is less. That means pay for work, such as wages or self-employment earnings.

For 2026 the IRA limit is $7,500, plus a $1,100 catch-up at 50 or older, for $8,600 total. A married couple filing jointly can use one spouse's pay to fund an IRA for the other, as long as combined contributions do not exceed their combined taxable compensation. Example: you are retired, your spouse earns $20,000. Both of you can put in $8,600, a total of $17,200, because that is below $20,000.

A 401(k) is funded by deferrals from your paycheck at that employer. For 2026 the employee limit is $24,500, plus $8,000 at 50 or older. If you turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2026, the catch-up is $11,250 instead, for $35,750 total. Starting in 2026, if your prior-year wages from that employer were over $150,000, catch-up contributions must go in as Roth.

Roth IRAs also have income limits. In 2026 the ability to contribute phases out between $153,000 and $168,000 for single filers and between $242,000 and $252,000 for married couples filing jointly.

What the rule of thumb misses: a few years of part-time work after leaving a full-time job can keep IRA contributions going. Over-contributing triggers a 6% tax each year until the excess is removed.