What is the maximum contribution limit to an IRA for a married couple where one spouse does not have an income?

The maximum contribution limit to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for a married couple, even if one spouse does not have an income, is primarily based on the contribution limits set for each individual. For tax year 2023, the maximum contribution limit to an IRA is $6,500 per individual if under age 50, and $7,500 if age 50 or older, which includes a catch-up contribution.

In the case where one spouse does not have earned income, they can still contribute to their own IRA using the other spouse's earned income, as long as the total contributions do not exceed the earned income of the working spouse or the contribution limits per individual. If both spouses are under 50, they can contribute $6,500 each, totaling $13,000. If one reaches age 50, that spouse can add the catch-up contribution, making the total $14,000 for both.

Since the question focuses on the contribution limit and the answer provided was $12,000 without qualifying the ages, we can clarify that it is indeed possible to contribute up to $12,000 for two spouses under 50 years old ($6,000 each, totaling $12,000).

This context explains the appropriate limits for