There isn’t one MAGI – each tax benefit defines its own. For most people, MAGI is the same as or very close to AGI. It decides whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA (2026 phase-out $153,000–$168,000 single, $242,000–$252,000 joint) and how much ACA subsidy you get.
How to use the MAGI Calculator – Modified Adjusted Gross Income
- MAGI for
- Adjusted gross income (AGI)
- Deductible IRA contributions
- Student loan interest deducted
- Foreign earned income and housing exclusion
- Tax-exempt interest
- Non-taxable Social Security benefits
- Other add-backs (passive losses, savings bond interest)
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose the purpose, enter your AGI and the items to add back.
Tips
- Tax figures here are estimates for planning – your actual tax depends on credits, deductions and local rules.
- Check the tax year and filing status before you rely on a result.
- Use gross (before-tax) figures unless a field asks for take-home pay.
- When in doubt, confirm with the tax authority’s own calculator or a tax professional.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing marginal and effective tax rates.
- Adding sales tax to a price that already includes it.
- Forgetting payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on wages.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| MAGI for | Choose one: Roth IRA and IRA deduction, ACA premium tax credit |
| Adjusted gross income (AGI) | Amount in your currency |
| Deductible IRA contributions | Amount in your currency |
| Student loan interest deducted | Amount in your currency |
| Foreign earned income and housing exclusion | Amount in your currency |
| Tax-exempt interest | Amount in your currency |
| Non-taxable Social Security benefits | Amount in your currency |
| Other add-backs (passive losses, savings bond interest) | Amount in your currency |
Example values
How the main result changes when Adjusted gross income changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Adjusted gross income (AGI) | Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) |
|---|---|
| 70,000 | 79,500 |
| 105,000 | 114,500 |
| 140,000 | 149,500 |
| 175,000 | 184,500 |
| 210,000 | 219,500 |
| 280,000 | 289,500 |
Formula
MAGI (Roth IRA) = AGI + deductible IRA contributions + student loan interest deduction + foreign earned income and housing exclusions + other add-backsMAGI (ACA) = AGI + tax-exempt interest + non-taxable Social Security + foreign earned incomeWorked example
Inputs — MAGI for: Roth IRA and IRA deduction; Adjusted gross income (AGI): $140,000; Deductible IRA contributions: $7,000; Student loan interest deducted: $2,500; Foreign earned income and housing exclusion: $0; Tax-exempt interest: $1,500; Non-taxable Social Security benefits: $0; Other add-backs (passive losses, savings bond interest): $0.
Results — Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) = $149,500.00; Roth IRA (single filer, 2026) = Full contribution allowed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between AGI and MAGI?
MAGI adds back certain deductions and exclusions to AGI.
Is MAGI the same for every purpose?
No – each benefit has its own definition.
Why does MAGI matter?
It sets eligibility for Roth IRAs, IRA deductions, ACA subsidies and more.
What formula does the MAGI Calculator – Modified Adjusted Gross Income use?
MAGI (Roth IRA) = AGI + deductible IRA contributions + student loan interest deduction + foreign earned income and housing exclusions + other add-backs.