IRA or SEP IRA if Spouse has a 401k

A married couple files a joint tax return. A self-employed working spouse wants to contribute to an IRA or a SEP-IRA. Her partner has a plan at 401k plan work. Will the spouse be able to fully deduct the IRA or SEP-IRA contributions if her spouse is making 401k plan contributions?  Or is there an income limitation on the deductibility of her IRA or SEP-IRA? If so, would she be better off with a Solo401k because she would not face the same income limitation on deductibility?  Thanks!



No income limit with respect to SEP but it does reduce QBI if applicable. I salivate when a client is self-employed and already has a taxable investment account.  A solo  401(k) is usually ideal as it allows you to sock away in the Roth component a huge amount each year (23K-30.5K) that might be in the taxable account generating taxable earnings instead of nontaxable earnings. Then you can also contribute from the employer side which equates to the SEP.

 

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