Guide to Spousal IRAs for Married Couples

ARTICLE | March 20, 2025

Authored by Vasquez + Company

When spouses embark on their retirement journeys, it is essential to understand that planning does not cease when one spouse stops working outside the home. Whether the nonworking spouse has left the workforce to raise children, care for a parent, or pursue other interests, opportunities to continue building nest eggs still exist. Spousal IRAs are one such opportunity, offering the chance to contribute to an individual retirement account based on the working spouse’s income.

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Leaving the workforce should not mean sidelining retirement objectives. Spousal IRAs enable one-earner families to sustain, and sometimes enhance, their long-term savings strategy whether they favor immediate tax deductions or tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Understanding contribution rules, phase-out ranges, and how coverage by workplace plans affects deductibility are critical steps for getting the most out of a spousal IRA. By staying informed and seeking personalized guidance from tax advisors, couples can make strategic decisions that best align with their future goals.

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