Saver’s Credit 2026: income limits
A tax credit for lower-income savers who contribute to an IRA or workplace plan — 2026 adjusted gross income limits.
Sourced from official pages · Updated September 30, 2026💡 Key takeaways
- The Saver’s Credit is a tax credit for lower-income savers who contribute to an IRA or workplace plan.
- 2026 AGI limits: $80,500 (married filing jointly), $60,375 (head of household), $40,250 (single and others).
- You claim it with Form 8880 when you file.
- It can be in addition to any tax benefit of the contribution itself.
2026 income limits (maximum AGI)
| Filing status | AGI limit |
|---|---|
| Married filing jointly | $80,500 |
| Head of household | $60,375 |
| Single, married filing separately, qualifying surviving spouse | $40,250 |
These are up from $79,000, $59,250 and $39,500 in 2025.
How to claim it
You claim the credit on Form 8880 when you file. It is in addition to any tax benefit of the contribution itself. See the 2026 contribution limits and the Roth IRA calculator.
Who should check
Lower- and moderate-income workers, including part-time and gig workers, who contribute to a 401(k), IRA or similar plan. Confirm eligibility rules, such as age and student status, in the IRS instructions to Form 8880.
Steps
- Calculate your adjusted gross income.
- Compare it to your filing-status limit.
- Complete Form 8880 with your contributions.
- Enter the result on your return.
🔤 Key terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AGI | Adjusted gross income, used for the income limit |
| Form 8880 | IRS form to claim the credit |
| Eligible contribution | Money put into a qualifying retirement account |
| Nonrefundable credit | A credit that reduces tax but does not create a refund by itself |
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
- Not claiming the credit because you did not know about it.
- Using the wrong filing status limit.
- Ignoring eligibility rules on age and student status.
- Forgetting that only eligible contributions count.
🛠️ Try it yourself
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is the credit refundable?
Check the IRS instructions; it reduces tax but may not be refundable.
Where do I claim it?
On Form 8880 with your return.
Can students claim it?
There are eligibility rules; check Form 8880 instructions.
📚 Sources
This guide is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules and limits change; confirm with the sources above or a licensed professional.