17.4 Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs): Traditional IRA
If both you and your spouse work and both have taxable compensation, each of you can contribute to a separate traditional IRA. The amount that you can contribute to each IRA is subject to a limit. Refer to chapter 1 of Publication 590 for more information on these limits. Contributions can be made even if one spouse has little or no compensation, if you file a joint return. You can make a contribution to a separate IRA for your nonworking spouse if you file a joint return. Your total contribution to both your IRA and the spousal IRA for this year is limited by certain factors such as your taxable compensation, contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA and your age.
For additional information, refer to Tax Topic 451, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), or Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).
References:
- Tax Topic 451, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
No. A 401(k) plan is not an IRA. However, the amount you contributed is not included as income in box 1 of your W-2 form so you don't pay tax on it in the year you make the contribution. For more information, refer to Tax Topic 424, 401(k) Plans, Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income, or Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business.