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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 4:23:24 PM

Can you make a contribution to a traditional IRA even when you are retired?

I am 64 years old and not working and drawing Social Security. In addition, I'm taking regular withdrawals from my rolled over IRA accounts. 

By the way are rolled over (401K and Pension)  IRA accounts considered Traditional IRA accounts for the purpose of making contribution in 2019 or do I need to open a completely new Traditional IRA account?

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 4:23:25 PM

You can make a contribution to a Traditional IRA if you are under age 70 1/2 and you have earned income.

If you are only receiving SS benefits and withdrawals from your IRAs, these are not earned income and you cannot contribute to an IRA.

As for your rollovered IRA accounts, they may be Traditional or Roth IRAs, depending on what you chose at the time of roll over. If in doubt, you can ask your IRA administrator.

2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Jun 4, 2019 4:23:25 PM

You can make a contribution to a Traditional IRA if you are under age 70 1/2 and you have earned income.

If you are only receiving SS benefits and withdrawals from your IRAs, these are not earned income and you cannot contribute to an IRA.

As for your rollovered IRA accounts, they may be Traditional or Roth IRAs, depending on what you chose at the time of roll over. If in doubt, you can ask your IRA administrator.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 4:23:27 PM

It looks like TurboTax couldn't figure out I do not have an earned income and took me to a point where I had the option of choosing"Pick up where I left off" or "Add the Contribution".