Deducting the employee SEP-401K contribution; cannot find where to do it

[ivarsb]

I received a 1099-NEC for consulting work.  I assume that I need to report that income in full or the IRS will not be able to match the 1099 to my tax return.  But I contributed (as the employee) $30K to a SEP 401K (I am over 50 yrs old).  Yet, I cannot find where to enter that deduction.  And yes, my earnings were over $30K.

I did find a section in deductions for it, but based on the limits it is giving me, I'm quite sure that if is only for any employer deduction that I may make.

Despite lots of research, I cannot figure out where to enter the $30K employee deduction to reduce the tax liability for my self employment income.

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

I think you mean a self-employed 401(k).  "SEP" in IRS documentation refers to an IRA-based plan.

The section for self-employed retirement plans is under in the Wages & Income section Business Deductions and Credits.  Nothing in the Deductions & Credits section of TurboTax relates to self-employed retirement. 

[ivarsb]

Thank your for taking the time to reply,

You are correct, I was referring to the self employment 401K.  

I don't see a section entitled to Business Deductions and Credits in Wages and Income.  The closest to that is called Self-Employment Income and Expenses; right after "Job (w2).  That is where I listed the income from the 1099-NEC, but I cannot find where to take the 401k deduction.

[dmertz]

Various version of TurboTax name things differently.  What version of TurboTax are you using?

[ivarsb]

I am using the web site.

But I may have found how to do it.

I do have a section there called Self Employment Retirement Plans and then within that entered the $30K in as an Individual 401K contribution.

Sound right?

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

That is the correct section.  However, you'll need to split the $30,000 of elective deferrals between regular elective deferrals of $22,500 and catch-up elective deferrals of $7,500.