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Level 2
April 15, 2021
Question

IRA contribution and deductibility

  • April 15, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 15 views

Preparing 2020 tax return.  Considering making an IRA contribution to tax year 2020 in 2021.  Married filing jointly.  I am covered by a retirement plan by my employer.  Spouse is not covered by employer plan.

Does the contribution to an IRA have to be solely in my spouse's name to maximize deductibility?

Can the contribution be made to my existing IRA or would it be best to open a new account under her name?

Confused on if the names matter or not since one of us is covered by employer sponsored retirement plan and one of us is not.

    3 replies

    MaryM428
    Level 11
    April 15, 2021

    Yes, you can contribute to a traditional and/or Roth IRA even if you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan (including a SEP or SIMPLE IRA plan).  Just make sure your contribution is in the allowable limits.  

    KB713Author
    Level 2
    April 16, 2021

    So it does not matter whose name the IRA account is held in - spouse with and employer plan or spouse with out?

    Level 15
    April 16, 2021

    You are limited to how much you can contribute to your own IRA, so to maximize your joint contribution, you need to contribute the funds to separate IRA accounts.

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