More on Earned Income. And one other thing to keep in mind. If your earned income is less than your eligible contribution amount, your maximum contribution amount equals your income. In other words, if you have $3,000 in earned income, the most you can contribute to the Roth is $3,000 (instead of $5,500).015 Roth IRA Rules-Eligibility, Income, Contribution Limits, and More. Note: The article below refers to the 2015 tax year. Assuming your IRA was opened by Dec. 31, 2015, you have until the tax filing deadlineâApril 15, 2016âto make a 2015 contribution. The income/contribution limits may increase for the 2016 tax year.