Deep Dive: IRS Publication 590 Explained — The Complete Guide to Retirement Account Rules for 2026
IRS Publication 590 is the definitive guide to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), covering everything from contribution limits and eligibility rules to distribution requirements and tax treatment. Split into two parts — Publication 590-A (contributions) and Publication 590-B (distributions) — it is the single most important tax document for the roughly 70 million Americans who hold IRA accounts. For the 2026 tax year, several key thresholds have changed. Traditional and Roth IRA contribution limits remain at $7,000 ($8,000 for those aged 50 and over), but income phase-out ranges for deductibility and Roth eligibility have been adjusted upward for inflation. Understanding these rules can mean the difference between maximising your retirement tax benefits and leaving money on the table. Whether you are deciding between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, planning required minimum distributions in retirement, or considering a backdoor Roth conversion, Publication 590 provides the authoritative rules. This guide distills the essential information investors need to know.