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Overview of the Traditional IRA Deduction

Software reference · Written guide Content date 1 min read

There are several tax advantages when using a traditional IRA to save for retirement:

  • Contributions made to a traditional IRA may be fully or partially deductible, depending on the circumstances, and
  • Generally, amounts in a traditional IRA (including earnings and gains) are not taxed until they are distributed.

Contributions that are not deductible as IRA contributions are:

  • Roth IRA contributions;
  • Rollover contributions;
  • Nondeductible contributions due to the active participation in an employer sponsored pension plan;
  • Elective deferrals to a 401(k), 403(b) plan, Section 457 plan, or federal thrift savings plan;
  • IRA trustee fees billed separately and paid for with funds outside of the IRA (these fees are deductible on Schedule A, Form 1040, subject to the 2% AGI limitation);
  • Repayments of qualified reservist distributions.

Additional Information:

Instructions for Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions

Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)

Maximum Pension Plan Contributions