If you file a joint return, you may be able to contribute to an IRA even if you did not have taxable compensation as long as your spouse did. The amount of your combined contributions can’t be more than the taxable compensation reported on your joint return.
For 2018, the contribution limit is $5,500 for most Americans ($6,500 for those age 50 and older). In 2019 the limit is $6,000, and for those 50 and over, $7,000. All the money must be earned income; you cannot contribute more to your spouse's (or your own) IRA than you earned for that year. The IRS provides
information on the most recent IRA contribution limits.
