I do contract work (IT Consulting) and get paid w2 hourly with no benefits. Can I file as self employed and invest in retirement?

[DawnC0]

Unfortunately, no.  You could take a self-employed retirement deduction if you had self-employment income.  But if all of your consulting income is reported on a W-2, you will not qualify as self-employed.  

 You can still invest in a retirement plan, but you may or may not get a tax deduction.