It does not matter if you contribute to the 401(k) or not if you employer contributed to it then you would still be a participant. Box 13 on your W-2 will be checked if you have a 401(k). That does not prevent you from contributing to a Traditional IRA, it only affects your ability to deduct it if your income exceeds the limits given in this link to the IRS: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="
https://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/IRA-Deduction-Limits">https://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/IRA-...>
You must also have at least as much taxable compensation (money that you worked for) as your IRA contribution.
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
