If the box is marked retirement plan at work on her W-2 you will be restricted due to income limitations of having a Plan at work, even if she chooses not to participate.
You’re covered by an employer retirement plan for a tax year if your employer (or your spouse’s employer) has a:
- Defined contribution plan (profit-sharing, 401(k), stock bonus and
money purchase pension plan) and any contributions or forfeitures were
allocated to your account for the plan year ending with or within the
tax year;
- IRA-based plan (SEP, SARSEP or SIMPLE IRA plan) and you had an
amount contributed to your IRA for the plan year that ends with or
within the tax year; or
- Defined benefit plan (pension plan that pays a retirement benefit
spelled out in the plan) and you are eligible to participate for the
plan year ending with or within the tax year.
Box 13 on the Form W-2
you receive from your employer should contain a check in the
“Retirement plan” box if you are covered. If you are still not certain,
check with your (or your spouse’s) employer.
The limits on the amount you can deduct don’t affect the amount you
can contribute. However, you can never deduct more than you actually
contribute.
