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Frequently Asked Tax Questions

Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) - Traditional IRA

  1. I want to establish a traditional individual retirement arrangement (IRA) for my spouse, and I need additional information. What is the most I can contribute to a spousal IRA during the tax year?
  2. Can I take an IRA deduction for the amount I contributed to a 401(k) plan last year?
Rev. date: 08/04/2012

I want to establish a traditional individual retirement arrangement (IRA) for my spouse, and I need additional information. What is the most I can contribute to a spousal IRA during the tax year?

previous topic occurrence Can You Contribute to a Roth IRA for Your Spouse? next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Contribution, Maximum next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Contributions (IRAs and Pension Plans) next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Individual Retirement Account next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Individual Retirement Arrangement next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Traditional IRA next topic occurrence
Additional Information
Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) Tax Topic 451, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
Rev. date: 08/04/2012

Can I take an IRA deduction for the amount I contributed to a 401(k) plan last year?

previous topic occurrence Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Contributions (IRAs and Pension Plans) next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Individual Retirement Account next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Profit Sharing Plan next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Qualified Plan next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Retirement Plan next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Traditional IRA next topic occurrence
In general, an amount contributed to a 401(k) account cannot be used as an IRA deduction.  However, if the 401(k) plan has a deemed IRA feature, contributions to the deemed IRA may be deductible in accordance with the IRA contribution rules.
A pre-tax 401(k) contribution is already excluded from your federal (and most state and local) taxable income, as it is not included in box 1 taxable wages of your W-2 form. Deemed IRA contributions are included in box 1 and you use the normal IRA contributions rules to determine their deductibility.
Additional Information
Tax Topic 309 - Roth IRA Contributions Tax Topic 451, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income Tax Topic 424, 401(k) Plans Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business (SEP, Simple, and Qualified Plans)
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