Why did I not qualify for my donation to my IRA

Were you covered by a retirement plan at work? If so, there are modified AGI (MAGI) income phaseouts based on filing status. They are below:

 

MFJ, QW: $103,000 to $ 123,000

 

Single, HOH: $64,000 to $ 74,000

 

MFS: $0 to $ 10,000

 

Spouse not covered by employer: $193,000 to $ 203,000

 

 

 

 

 

The phaseouts only apply to the eligibility to deduct the traditional IRA contribution, not to the eligibility to make the contribution.  To be eligible to make the contribution you must have sufficient compensation (generally income in box 1 of a W-2 minus any amount in box 11, or net earnings from self-employment), and for 2019 you cannot have reached age 70½ or over in 2019.