topic Can I deduct retirement contributions if my employer didn't deduct social security? in Retirement tax questions

Can I deduct retirement contributions if my employer didn't deduct social security?

vsoutiere — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:00:05 GMT

I work for a city government and in lieu of social security, they deducted money for a retirement fund. How do I claim this deduction?

Re: Can I deduct retirement contributions if my employer didn't deduct social security?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:22:28 GMT

If you were paying into a retirement plan that is on your W-2 then the information is being entered when you enter the information from the boxes on your W-2---most likely from box 12. You do not enter it anywhere else.

Re: Can I deduct retirement contributions if my employer didn't deduct social security?

vsoutiere — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:24:23 GMT

That's what I thought, but oddly enough, this is in box 14 with the description "RETIRE" with no other information. This is what is confusing me, because I figured I would enter it in box 12.

Re: Can I deduct retirement contributions if my employer didn't deduct social security?

Opus 17 — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:38:48 GMT

No, enter your information as-is. The only items that should be entered in box 12 in Turbotax are items that are written in box 12 in your W-2. the letter codes next to the items are very specific and you can wreck your tax return by entering items that don't belong.

You don't get a separate tax deduction for money that was deducted for a pension plan. The contributions were probably taken from your check pre-tax, but even if not, they aren't deductible on your tax return.

You may be eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to an IRA, depending on your income and other tax situations. But an IRA is a private account you set up with a bank or investment company, it is not the same as a workplace retirement plan or pension, even though they have a similar purpose.