In: Accounting
Jackson and Ashley Turner (both 45 years old) are married and want to contribute to a Roth IRA for Ashley. In 2017, their AGI is $192,200. Jackson and Ashley each earned half of the income.
a. How much can Ashley contribute to her Roth IRA if they file a joint return?
b. How much can Ashley contribute if she files a separate return?
c. Assume that Ashley earned all of the couple’s income and that she contributed the maximum amount she is allowed to contribute to a Roth IRA. What amount can be contributed to Jackson’s Roth IRA if they file a joint return?
a.$4,40
Individuals are allowed to contribute to a Roth IRA as long as their AGI falls below certain thresholdlimits. The AGI threshold limits for married individuals filing jointly is between $183,000 and $193,000.Because Jackson and Ashley’s AGI is 92% of the way between $183,000 and $193,000 [($192200 −$183,000)/($193,000 − $183,000)], Ashley’s maximum contribution is phased out by 92%. That is, of the$5,500 maximum contribution, Ashley may contribute $4,40 [$5,500 × 8% (100% − 92% phasedoutpercentage)]
.b.$0.
The AGI threshold limits for married individuals filing separately is between $0 and $10,000. Thus, if they filed separately, Ashley would not be able to contribute to a Roth IRA.
c.$4,40
Because Jackson is the lesser earning spouse, the starting point for determining the amount he can contribute is the lesser of $5,500 or $191760 [total earned income of both spouses of $192200 reduced by the $4,40 contribution to Ashley’s account (see answer to part a)]. However, because the couple’s AGI of $192200 exceeds $183,000, 92% of Jackson’s contribution limit is phased out [($192200 −183,000)/($193,000 − 183,000)]. That is, of the $5,500 maximum contribution, only $4,40 [$5,500 × 8%(100% − 92% phasedout percentage)] may be contributed to Jackson’s Roth IRA