Employer SEP contributions and Traditional IRA deduction on form 1040.

[manigill-tax]

I am the sole Shareholder and employee of S corp. The S corp contributed 25% of my wages towards SEP IRA. Can I contribute towards my Traditional IRA and claim deduction ($5500)  on form 1040? if yes, will it be assumed that I am covered by employer plan and l be subject to  limitations for claiming deduction on my  traditional IRA contribution?

[AmandaR1 · Accepted solution]

Yes and no. You can contribute to a Traditional IRA, but it doesn't sound like you would qualify for the deduction (if your income is above the employer plan limits).

Your SEP plan means that you are covered by an "employer plan" for your $5,500 individual contribution. See this at the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/are-you-covered-by-an-employers-retirement-plan

Therefore, if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI - a subtotal on your tax return), is above certain limits, you can't take a 1040 deduction. The income limits are posted here at the IRS:  https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/2017-ira-deduction-limits-effect-of-modified-agi-on-deduction-i...

While not directly related to your situation, this answer explains the S-corp/SEP/employee relationship well: https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/6413927