Traditional vs. Roth IRA Contributions After 60

The basic rule

If you have earned income (W-2 or self-employment), you can contribute to an IRA at any age. 2026 limits: $8,000/year if 50+.

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA

• Roth: pay tax now, withdraw tax-free later. No RMDs ever.
• Traditional: deduct contribution now, pay tax on withdrawal.

After 60, Roth almost always wins

• You're likely in a low tax bracket if semi-retired.
• Roth has no RMDs, so it grows untouched.
• Roth passes to heirs tax-free.
• Roth gives flexibility for tax-bracket management later.

Spousal IRA

A non-working spouse can contribute based on the working spouse's income. Doubles the family's IRA contribution.

The backdoor Roth

If your income exceeds direct Roth limits (~$240k MFJ), you can still contribute to a Traditional IRA non-deductibly and convert to Roth. Watch the pro-rata rule if you have other IRA balances.

Bottom line

Any earned income in your 60s is an opportunity to feed a Roth — tax-free growth, no RMDs, easy inheritance. If you're working part-time, max it out every year you can.