Saver's Tax Credit Calculator
Check eligibility and amount for the Federal Saver's Credit — a non-refundable tax credit up to $1,000 ($2,000 MFJ) for retirement contributions.
What Is the Saver's Tax Credit?
The Saver's Tax Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, IRS Form 8880) is a federal non-refundable tax credit of 10-50% on retirement contributions up to $2,000 per person ($4,000 MFJ). The credit is targeted at low and moderate income taxpayers — it phases out above $38,250 single / $76,500 MFJ for 2026.
This is one of the most underused credits in the US tax code — IRS data shows fewer than half of eligible filers claim it. If your income qualifies, this credit effectively makes the first $2K-$4K of your retirement contribution 'paid for' by the government. Source: IRS Form 8880 instructions, Section 25B. Last updated: May 2026.
2026 Saver's Credit AGI Tiers
| Filing Status | 50% Credit | 20% Credit | 10% Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $0-$24,750 | $24,751-$27,000 | $27,001-$38,250 |
| HoH | $0-$37,125 | $37,126-$40,500 | $40,501-$57,375 |
| MFJ | $0-$49,500 | $49,501-$54,000 | $54,001-$76,500 |
Above the 10% tier, the credit is zero. Below it, contributing to retirement effectively yields 10-50% immediate tax savings ON TOP of the regular tax deduction (for Traditional accounts).
Eligibility Requirements
Three requirements that disqualify you, regardless of income: (1) You must be at least 18 years old. (2) You CANNOT be a full-time student for 5 or more months during the year. (3) You CANNOT be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return. The student exclusion is particularly important — it means many recent grads who would otherwise qualify can't claim it for the year they were in school.
Eligible Retirement Contributions
The credit applies to contributions to: (1) Traditional or Roth IRA, (2) 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) plans (employee elective contributions only, not employer match), (3) SIMPLE IRAs and SEPs, (4) ABLE accounts (for individuals with disabilities). Up to $2,000 of contributions per person counts ($4,000 MFJ). Contributions BEYOND $2K still build wealth but don't increase the credit.