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New Member
posted Feb 10, 2024 5:54:52 PM

Can total 401k and IRA contributions exceed my earned income?

I'm retired and working part-time. Earned income is 2,000 per year. Passive income is about 200,000. My employer allows me to contribute 100% of my salary to a Roth 401k (it works out to be less than 100% though, because of taxes). If I contribute 100% to the 401k plan can I also contribute $2,000 to my Roth IRA in the same year?

0 3 2078
1 Best answer
Level 15
Feb 10, 2024 6:06:04 PM

Amounts contributed to the Roth 401(k) do not reduce the compensation available to support an IRA contribution.  The amount that will support an IRA contribution is the amount in box 1 of your W-2 minus any amount in box 11.  Depending on your modified AGI for the purpose of a Roth IRA contribution, your eligibility to contribute to an Roth IRA might be limited.  Your modified AGI for the purpose of deducting a traditional IRA contribution prevents you from being able to deduct a traditional IRA contribution, but your spouse might be eligible to deduct a traditional IRA contribution depending on your modified AGI for the purpose.  (I assume that your spouse is not covered by a workplace retirement plan.)

3 Replies
New Member
Feb 10, 2024 5:58:11 PM

I should have mentioned that I am married filing jointly and spouse does not have any earned income.

Level 15
Feb 10, 2024 6:06:04 PM

Amounts contributed to the Roth 401(k) do not reduce the compensation available to support an IRA contribution.  The amount that will support an IRA contribution is the amount in box 1 of your W-2 minus any amount in box 11.  Depending on your modified AGI for the purpose of a Roth IRA contribution, your eligibility to contribute to an Roth IRA might be limited.  Your modified AGI for the purpose of deducting a traditional IRA contribution prevents you from being able to deduct a traditional IRA contribution, but your spouse might be eligible to deduct a traditional IRA contribution depending on your modified AGI for the purpose.  (I assume that your spouse is not covered by a workplace retirement plan.)

New Member
Feb 10, 2024 6:11:53 PM

Thanks so much for your answer. I couldn't find a definitive answer but what I did find seemed to imply what the same thing you are saying. Thanks for taking the time to confirm!