Can we contribute $6,000 or $12,000 to our Rollover IRA and get the deduction on our 2017 income tax? In 2017 we did not work.

[MichaelDC · Accepted solution]

No. Contributions to both traditional and Roth IRAs can only be made from what the IRS determines to be "earned income."

According to the IRS, taxable earned income includes:

• Wages, salaries, and tips
• Union strike benefits
• Long-term disability benefits received prior to minimum retirement age
• Net earnings from self-employment

Also, moving funds from one IRA to another doesn't constitute a valid contribution.

Please feel free to post any additional details or questions in the comment section.