Can I take the $6500 deduction for a traditional IRA contribution if no money was added to my SEP IRA during the year?

[d50dfb0a]

My employer set up a SEP but has not consistently contributed to it; 2017 additions were zero. TurboTax asks if I am covered by a SEP IRA and I check "Yes". No deduction is then allowed for a contribution to a traditional IRA. Do I check the "No" box instead?

[MichaelDC]

Do you have W2 Box 13 Retirement plan checked?

[d50dfb0a]

It is not checked.

[MichaelDC]

Perfect. The answer still stands. Good Luck!

[d50dfb0a]

Thank you very much.

[MichaelDC · Accepted solution]

Check "NO" You’re only covered by an employer retirement plan for a tax year if your employer (or your spouse’s employer) has a:

IRA-based plan (SEP, SARSEP or SIMPLE IRA plan) and you had an amount contributed to your IRA for the plan year that ends with or within the tax year