Why does Turbo Tax allow us to enter a contribution to a traditional IRA if we contribute to a 401k with our employer

[suelindbo]

An accountant told us you cannot make a traditional IRA contribution if you contribute to a 401k through your employer.  Why is Turbo Tax program is allowing us to add a Traditrional IRA contribution?  

[Phillip1 · Accepted solution]

The accountant may be a bit off  (or you may have misunderstood each other). You can contribute to an IRA even if you are covered by a retirement plan from your employer. However, the amount that you can deduct may be limited by your MAGI. This doesn't prevent you from making a contribution - it reduces the amount that can be deducted.

The income limits for making deductible IRA contributions are found at these two links:

1. IRA Deduction if You ARE Covered by a Retirement Plan at Work - 2017
2. IRA Deduction if You Are NOT Covered by a Retirement Plan at Work - 2017 (deduction is limited only if your spouse IS covered by a retirement plan)