The Tax Benefits of Contributing to an IRA

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I was checking my IRA this month,  adjusting my asset allocation to keep me on my retirement target. I love having my Roth IRA because it offers me an opportunity to save for retirement and have some tax advantages.

IRAs
IRAs

IRAs can be a powerful tool that can help you build your finances, prepare for a better retirement, and get a hefty savings at tax time. However, some people are confused on what they are, how much they can contribute, and the deadline for their contributions. I’ll answer some common questions to help you feel more comfortable using them.

Max Out Your IRA Contributions

When should you start investing in an IRA? As soon as you can, provided that you have an emergency fund in place and don’t have any high interest (>12%) debts.

How much can you contribute to your IRA? For 2011, you can contribute $5,000/year or the amount of your taxable compensation. If you’re over 50, you get an additional $1,000 added to your contribution ($6,000/year). Don’t forget that these are for individuals, so a couple younger than 50 can contribute $10,000 into IRAs ($5,000 each). If you can max out your contributions, then please do so.

With IRA contributions, there are guidelines for the deduction and contribution limits.  If you contribute to your traditional IRA by April 17th, you may be able to claim a tax deduction on your tax return for the amount contributed.  Roth IRA contributions, however are not tax deductible since the qualified distributions are tax-free.

You can contribute to your Roth IRA if your modified AGI is less than:

  • $179,000 for married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er),
  • $122,000 for single, head of household, or married filing separately and you did not live with your spouse at any time during the year, and
  • $10,000 for married filing separately and you lived with your spouse at any time during the year.

For your traditional IRA, if you or your spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, your deduction may be limited.

Don’t worry about figuring out these limitations.  TurboTax easily guides you through the necessary entries and gives you the appropriate tax deduction to maximize your tax refund.

Make it Easy to Contribute

The easiest way to stay on target for your investment goals is to go ahead and automate your IRA contributions. It can be as small as $25/week; the important part if getting you into the habit of saving up for your retirement.

You can also set aside a chunk of any bonuses or windfalls you get this year to deposit into your IRA.

Deadlines for Contributing to Your IRA

2011 is over, but you still have until April 17th to make a tax deductible contribution to your traditional IRA and reap the benefits of a bigger tax refund.

Thoughts on Your IRA

How many of you have continued to contribute your IRA? How has it been doing this year?

Elle Martinez
Elle Martinez

Written by Elle Martinez

Elle helps families at Couple Money achieve financial freedom by sharing tips for reducing debt, increase income, and building net worth. Learn how to live on one income and have fun with the second. More from Elle Martinez

10 responses to “The Tax Benefits of Contributing to an IRA”

  1. I have a form 5498 IRA contribution inf..
    I understand Suntrust investment services with Premier select will notify the IRS of this and my form is for information only. Please let me know if this is correct before I submit my tax return to the IRS>

  2. I receive a pension and a 400c disburstment which puts my wife and I into 120k tax bracket. My wife works but not have a pension… can i and my wife make an IRA investment ???

  3. It is very necessary to invest in proper retirement schemes so that we can make our future safe and secure. Self managed super funds are an efficient way to maximise our financial future.

  4. My husband and I will be paying in an additional $17,000 to IRS this year. If we paid 6,000 into an IRA, how much would that reduce the 17,000?

  5. I have a direct rollover of a 2012 Pension distribution from U.S. Bank to Merryll Lynch.
    Merrill Lynch notes that IRS Form 5498 is required to reflect the direct rollover.

  6. Thank you, very helpful. My problem is that I do not know how to include my IRA contribution using Turbo tax. I am adding to my IRA for the 2011 taxes in hope to get deduction but do not find where or how to do this.
    appreciate any assistance.
    God bless
    maria

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