Who can take the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit? (Savers Credit)

If you contributed to one or more retirement savings accounts during the tax year, you may be eligible to claim the saver’s credit. Saving for retirement can sometimes be challenging, but the IRS makes it a little easier for certain taxpayers with low or moderate income. If you meet specific qualifications and contribute money to a qualified retirement savings account, you may be able to reduce the amount of tax you owe by claiming the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (also known as the saver’s credit). 

Contributions to many types of retirement savings accounts can be counted toward the saver’s credit, including:

  • 401(k)
  • 403(b)
  • 457(b)
  • 501(c)(18)(D)
  • SIMPLE
  • SARSEP
  • ABLE
  • Traditional IRA
  • Roth IRA
  • Federal Thrift Savings Plan

If you qualify, you can claim this non-refundable credit by filing Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions.

To qualify for this you must be at least 18 years old by the end of the tax year and have adjusted gross income (AGI) that does not exceed thresholds set by the IRS for this tax credit each year. 

Full-time students and those claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return are not eligible for the saver’s credit. 

The amount of the credit is determined by your income and filing status, with a maximum value of $1,000 ($2,000 if you are married filing jointly) or 50% of your retirement savings contributions, whichever is less. Since the savings credit is non-refundable, the amount of the credit is also limited by the amount of income tax you owe.

As AGI increases, the amount of the credit decreases. If your income is above a certain threshold you cannot claim it at all.

In 2021, you qualify for the 50% credit rate if your income is no more than:

  • $39,500 or less for married taxpayers filing jointly
  • $29,625 if you file as head of household 
  • $19,750 for any other filing status 

Your credit is 20% of your retirement contributions in 2021 if your:

  • filing status is married filing jointly and your AGI is no more than $42,000
  • filing status is head of household and your AGI is no more than $32,250
  • AGI is no more than $21,500 and you use any other filing status 

Your credit is 10% of your retirement contributions in 2021 if your:

  • filing status is married filing jointly and your AGI is no more than $66,000
  • filing status is head of household and your AGI is no more than $49,500
  • AGI is no more than $33,000 and you use any other filing status 

The IRS offers a tool to help you determine whether you qualify for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit.