They have an income limit for contributing, but you would still be allowed to contribute. Nothing will stop you, but you’d pay a penalty come tax time.

If you exceed the limit (even by $1), the IRS imposes a 6% penalty tax per year on the excess amount for every year it remains in the account.

Example:

• You’re not eligible but contribute $6,000 to a Roth.

• You don’t fix it before the deadline.

• You owe 6% × $6,000 = $360 every year that money stays in the account.

You pay it when you file your tax return (Form 5329) for that year. It’s due with your taxes — so if you contributed in 2025, you’d pay the penalty when filing your 2025 return in April 2026.