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Table of Contents

IRS Publication 590-A: What It is, How It Works

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Julia Kagan
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Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia.

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Updated August 10, 2024
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What Is IRS Publication 590-A?

IRS Publication 590-A specifies rules for contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA). The term individual retirement arrangement represents a wide variety of IRA account types. This publication addresses traditional and Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs), SIMPLE IRAs, and Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA plans. Publication 590-A is broken into chapters and includes several appendices and worksheets to assist the taxpayer.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS Publication 590-A includes a table that explains a bit about a variety of retirement plans like Roth IRAs.
  • The publication can be found on the IRS's website. 
  • Each IRA listed in the 590-A has its own set of guidelines.

Understanding IRS Publication 590-A

IRS Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), is divided into sections providing information about contributions into IRAs. Each specific type of IRA contains its own set of guidelines. Taxpayers should be careful to refer to instructions for their particular account type, as the IRS regulates the timing and contributions to these accounts. IRS Publication 590-B covers distributions from retirement accounts.

An introductory section contains updated information for tax years and essential reminders.

The introduction includes a table highlighting where to find information for traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as other types of retirement plans.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1 covers traditional IRA rules and provisions and parts of the requirements for Roth IRA accounts. Information about eligibility, opening an IRA, and contribution timing and limits are included. The section covers inheriting a plan and moving plan assets. A discussion of actions that may result in penalties or additional taxes is included as well.

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of IRS Publication 590-A pertains to Roth IRAs. It provides a formal definition and explains when a Roth can be opened, who may contribute to the account, annual contribution limits, and moving funds into a Roth IRA.

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 discusses Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (Saver's Credit), a tax credit available to qualifying taxpayers contributing to a traditional or Roth IRA. Credits reduce your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Additional Sections

IRS Publication 590-A provides information to help the taxpayer with tax-related issues such as filing a tax return, accessing tax forms and publications, and obtaining tax transcripts.

There are several worksheets and appendices included in IRS Publication 590-A.

  • Appendix A assists in recording contributions and distributions from a traditional IRA.
  • Worksheet 1 and Appendix B helps in calculating the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). 
  • Worksheet 2 and Appendix B assists with the computation of traditional IRA deductions. 
  • Worksheet 3 and Appendix B details the computation of taxable Social Security benefits.

A table, also included in the publication, illustrates the various types of rollover transactions allowed between different retirement plans, including traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs.

Form 590-A and its instructions are located on the IRS website, www.irs.gov.

Taxpayers looking for information on Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans, 401(k) plans, and SIMPLE IRAs should read IRS Publication 560, Retirement Plans for Small Business. Information for contributions to Coverdell education savings accounts is contained in IRS Publication 970.

Article Sources
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  1. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-B (2023).”

  2. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Pages 1-3.

  3. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Page 4.

  4. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Pages 6-37.

  5. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Pages 37-45.

  6. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Pages 45-46.

  7. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Pages 46-50.

  8. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Page 51.

  9. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 590-A (2023),” Page 22.

  10. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 560 Retirement Plans for Small Business (SEP, SIMPLE, and Qualified Plans).”

  11. Internal Revenue Service. “Publication 970 Tax Benefits for Education (2023).”

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