Can I contribute to both an IRA and a workplace retirement plan in the same year?
Yes. The IRS treats IRA contribution limits and workplace-plan limits as entirely separate, so you can max out a 401(k), 403(b), or similar plan and still contribute the full amount to a Traditional or Roth IRA in the same year. What being covered by a workplace plan affects is only the deductibility of a Traditional IRA contribution, which phases out by income, and it never affects Roth eligibility beyond the normal Roth income limits. This means high savers can stack both types of accounts for substantial tax-advantaged saving. If your income blocks a direct Roth, use the backdoor route. Check current limits and phase-outs at irs.gov, since they change yearly.
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