The accountant may be a bit off (or you may have misunderstood each other). You can contribute to an IRA even if you are covered by a retirement plan from your employer. However, the amount that you can deduct may be limited by your MAGI. This doesn't prevent you from making a contribution - it reduces the amount that can be deducted.
The income limits for making deductible IRA contributions are found at these two links:
- IRA Deduction if You ARE Covered by a Retirement Plan at Work - 2017
-
IRA Deduction if You Are NOT Covered by a Retirement Plan at Work - 2017 (deduction is limited only if your spouse IS covered by a retirement plan)
