Can I deduct out of pocket contributions to a SIMPLE IRA (not including salary deferrals)?

[dariusadibi]

My employer started a SIMPLE IRA for me this past year and upon opening, I deposited money out of pocket. Can this be deducted?

[dmertz]

You are not permitted to make out-of-pocket contributions to a SIMPLE IRA account.  Only your employer is permitted to make deposits to the SIMPLE IRA account, either as employer matching or non-elective contributions, or as a deposit of your elective deferrals from your pay.  You'll need to contact the SIMPLE IRA custodian to obtain a refund of contribution (not a regular distribution) of the out-of-pocket amount and then make a new contribution to a different (non-SIMPLE) IRA account. 

You'll enter into TurboTax the regular contribution to the new account as you would any regular traditional IRA contribution Deductions & Credits -> Retirement and Investments -> Traditional and Roth IRA Contributions.