Q: An individual is ineligible to deduct his traditional IRA contribution, and has decided to make a nondeductible contribution.  I understand that he needs to keep track of his nondeductible contribution, so as to prevent the amount from being taxed when distributed.  Should he establish a separate traditional IRA for this?

A: It is not necessary to establish a separate IRA for nondeductible contributions, as all of the individual’s traditional, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are treated as one IRA for purpose of determining the taxable amount of any distribution from either of those IRAs. For instance, assume he has three IRAs, one with $2,000 nondeductible contribution, another with $4,000 deductible contributions, and the third with $4,000 SEP IRA contribution. If he takes a distribution of $2,000, the distribution will be prorated to include 1/5 nontaxable amount and 4/5 taxable amount, regardless of which of the traditional, SEP or SIMPLE IRA the distribution is taken from.

The individual must file IRS Form 8606 to keep track of the nontaxable (nondeductible) amounts. Form 8606 must also be filed for any year that the IRA owner takes a distribution from any of his traditional, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, so as to determine the taxable and nontaxable portion of the distribution.

Back to IRA Deductibility FAQ

Featured Product/s

• RetirementWorks® II ("RW2")
• Appleby Cheat Sheets .