Skip to main content
Level 2
April 14, 2021
Question

IRA deductions while receiving SSA benefits

  • April 14, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 9 views

I am retired and receive SSA benefits. My wife also receives SSA benefits and works part time. She has a 401K plan at work and contributes to a Roth in that plan. We both have IRA's from previous employers. My question is, can I contribute to my traditional IRA and get a deduction for it?

1 reply

DMarkM1
Level 15
April 14, 2021

If filing jointly, your working spouse can contribute to your traditional IRA even though you do not have any earned income.  The total contributions she makes to her retirement and yours cannot exceed her earned income or the normal contribution limits. 

 

The normal contribution limits are $6000 plus $1000 catch up if over age 50. 

 

To get the full deduction your joint income has to be below $198,000. 

 

 

 

 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
tim881Author
Level 2
April 14, 2021

It does not matter if we are receiving SSA benefits? As long as she has income from a W-2 then we can take a deduction up $7,000.00 since we  are over 50 or the total amount that she earned since it is below $7,000. Is that correct? She earned $6,600.

Level 15
April 14, 2021

Then you can contribute up to $6,600 to Traditional IRAs, between both of you.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"