What Is a Spousal IRA?
A spousal IRA lets a married person with little or no earned income contribute to their own IRA based on their working spouse’s earned income, as long as the couple files a joint tax return. It can be a traditional or Roth IRA, and each spouse can contribute up to the annual IRA limit.
The Rule It Solves
IRA contributions normally require the account owner to have earned income; the spousal rule allows the couple’s combined income to count.
Ownership
The account belongs to the spouse in whose name it is opened.
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Last updated: September 29, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.