It may not be too late to lower your 2021 tax bill. Qualified individuals can still make deductible contributions to traditional IRAs until the tax filing date of April 18, 2022, and claim the deduction for 2021. This article provides details, including alternate strategies.
If you didn’t get around to contributing to an IRA in 2021 and you’re looking for ways to lower your tax bill, you may still have an option. Qualified taxpayers can make deductible contributions to traditional IRAs until the tax filing date of April 18, 2022, and claim the benefit on their 2021 returns.
Who is eligible?
You can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA if:
For 2021, joint tax return filers who are covered by an employer plan have a deductible IRA contribution phaseout range of $105,000 to $125,000 of modified AGI. For taxpayers who are single or a head of household, the phaseout range is $66,000 to $76,000. For married filing separately, the phaseout range is $0 to $10,000. For 2021, if you’re not an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, but your spouse is, the deductible IRA contribution phaseout range is $198,000 to $208,000 of modified AGI.
Deductible IRA contributions reduce your current tax bill, and earnings within the IRA are tax deferred. However, every dollar you take out is taxed in full (and subject to a 10% penalty before age 59½, unless an exception applies).
You also have until April 18 to make a Roth IRA contribution, though unlike traditional IRA contributions, Roth IRA contributions aren’t deductible. Withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax-free if the account has been open at least five years and your age is 59½ or older. (Contributions to a Roth IRA are subject to income limits.)
What’s the contribution limit?
For 2021, if you’re eligible, you can make deductible traditional IRA contributions of up to $6,000 ($7,000 if you’re 50 or over). In addition, small business owners can set up and contribute to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan up until the due date for their returns, including extensions. For 2021, the maximum contribution you can make to a SEP is $58,000.
For more information about how IRAs or SEPs can help you save the maximum tax-advantaged amount for retirement, contact us — or ask during your return preparation appointment.
Two alternate IRA strategies for possible tax saving
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If you have any questions about the content of this publication, or if you would like more information about HoganTaylor's Tax services, please contact Tony Otto, Lead Tax Partner. You may also contact Denise Felber, Tax Partner.
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY. This content is for informational purposes only. This content does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon by you or any third party, including to operate or promote your business, secure financing or capital in any form, obtain any regulatory or governmental approvals, or otherwise be used in connection with procuring services or other benefits from any entity. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult with professional advisors.