Question of the Month (January 2020): Retirement Plan Contributions

Posted by Mike Long, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®

Jan 1, 2020

Harry and Emma, both age 71, file taxes as MFJ. Emma retired last year, and Harry continues to work full-time simply because he loves his job. Harry earns $75,000 annually and continues to contribute to his employer’s Section 401(k) plan. Their MAGI is $85,000. Harry has asked how much they can contribute and deduct to a traditional IRA for 2020?

  1. Contribute $0; deduct $0.
  2. Contribute $6,000; deduct $0.
  3. Contribute $14,000; deduct $7,000.
  4. Contribute $14,000; deduct $14,000.

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Correct answer: D. Contribute $14,000; deduct $14,000.

Instructor insight:

The SECURE Act passed in 2019 removes the age limit for contributions to a traditional IRA. Previously, the maximum age contributions to an IRA could be made was 70 ½ which was also the age RMDs began. Under current regulations RMDs do not need to begin until the age of 72 and there is no age limit on when contributions can be made.  This means that even if individuals are forced to withdraw funds from their IRA to satisfy their RMD, they can redeposit the funds back into that same IRA so long as they meet the other contribution requirements.

Contributions and deductions are subject to the active participation and MAGI rules. Harry has enough income to allow a $7,000 contribution and deduction for himself and a $7,000 contribution and deduction for Emma under the spousal IRA rules. While Harry is an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, their MAGI is below the applicable thresholds, thus allowing a full deduction for the contributions.

 

Topics: Practice Questions