- Employers often provide incentives by matching a percentage of your contribution (deposit) to your 401k plan. The employee earns interest on both their own contributions and the employer matches. The employer deducts these incentive matches from their own tax return. The income and interest are not taxed until you start receiving distributions (withdrawals) from the retirement plan. Earned income includes wages, salaries, tips, net self-employment income, alimony and non-taxable combat pay.
- The Saver's Credit provides a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction until your tax liability reaches zero. The Saver's Credit applies to contributions to 401k plans, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs and Self-Employed Retirement plans. The income limits for the Saver's Credit are $27,750 (single), $55,500 (married filing jointly) and $41,625 (head of household) as of 2010. The Saver's Credit applies to both you and your spouse.
- The maximum yearly contribution to a 401k plan is $16,500 (as of 2010); if you are over 50, you may be able to make an additional catch-up contribution of $5,000. If you are over 70 1/2 years old, you cannot contribute to a 401k plan or deduct IRA contributions. Rollovers from one account to another cannot be deducted. Early withdrawals from 401k plans other than for retirement are assessed an additional 10 percent excise tax. You can take distributions from your IRA without penalty if you are at least 59 1/2. Contributions to 401k plans may reduce your IRA deduction.
- Other retirement options include Traditional and Roth IRAs, or Individual Retirement Accounts. For Traditional IRAs, up to $3,000 each year can be deducted from your earned income; this also applies to your spouse. Contributions to Roth IRAs cannot be deducted since the income and interest are not taxed.
- This information is not intended to substitute financial or tax advice. Consult your accountant for questions or concerns for tax advice.
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