Employer error in 401k contribution into following year after my retirement. Can i deduct IRA contributions

[jamescollura4322]

i retired 12-31-15 but my employer added to my 401k in January of 2016. I wanted to be able to deduct my contributions to my separate IRA.  how do I do this?

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

The calendar year for which you are covered by the retirement plan's depends on the plan-year end date.  For a fiscal-year plan that does not have a December 31 end date, you would be covered by this employer's retirement plan for 2016.  Given that you are covered for 2016, whether or not you are eligible to deduct some or all of your traditional IRA contribution for 2016 will depend on your modified AGI and filing status.