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New Member
posted Mar 26, 2021 7:39:49 AM

I owe $8,716 how much would an IRA save me? If I have to spend more for an IRA than what it will reduce my tax payment, is it worth it?

0 2 529
2 Replies
Level 15
Mar 26, 2021 7:55:42 AM

That depends entirely on your tax bracket.   For example, if you are in the 22% bracket,  a maximum regular Traditional IRA contribution of $6,000 (under age 50) would save you $1,320 in taxes.

 

But if you owe almost $9,000 in taxes, your income may be too high to contribute to an IRA.  You are asking from TT self-employment, so I wonder if you are being hit with a penalty for underpayment of estimated taxes as well.   Also see:

Retirement Plans for Self-Employed People | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

Expert Alumni
Mar 26, 2021 7:58:08 AM

If you are eligible to contribute to a deductible IRA, you can contribute up to $6,000 (plus a catch up of $1,000 if you are aged 50 or older). 

 

By contributing to an IRA, you will save on taxes, but not dollar for dollar. The IRA contribution is a deduction from income and your tax savings is equal to the contribution multiplied by your marginal tax bracket. So if you make a contribution of $6,000 and your tax bracket is 22%, then you will save $1,320 ($6,000 x 22%) in taxes.

 

Whether it is worth making the contribution is a matter of personal judgment.