@lchan wrote:
@Opus 17 That is correct, for all years we had an income greater than what was eligible to claim the deduction.
We file Married Filing Jointly.
I did some more digging and realized that for several years the total contribution made between my employer's retirement account and the IRA was less than the federal limit for that year.
But between years 2016 and 2022, the total contribution between the two was higher than the limit for each year. The amount over varies year to year, but they are all over the limit.
I think you are still confused about the contribution limits. You are always allowed to contribute up to the maximum to a traditional IRA ($5000, $6000, or $7000 for the years we are talking about.), even if you contribute to a workplace plan. The limits do not combine.
For example, in 2025, the total limit for contributions to a workplace plan like a 401(k) is $23,500 for the employee salary deferral, and $70,000 from employer plus employee. Even if you and your employer max out the 401k, you can still contribute up to $7000 to a traditional IRA.
The problem is that you took tax deductions that were not allowed. The contributions themselves are fine.
However, if you used software for any of these years, the software should have prevented you from taking a tax deduction based on your income. Do you know if you actually took the tax deduction for all years 2011-2023? If you made the contribution but did not take the deduction, you would have a form 8606 with your tax return. If your last IRA contribution was in 2023, does your 2023 tax return include a form 8606?
