Question

I didn't make any contributions toward a retirement plan in 2017, so why am I getting a $2,000 deduction for retirement payments on my Massachusetts return? Seems wrong.

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Employee

MA gives you up to a $2000 retirement savings deduction for what you pay into Social Security.

From: Instructions to Form 1 2017Massachusetts Resident Income Tax (page 10 - Deductions):

Line 11. Amount Paid to Social Security (FICA), Medicare, Railroad, U.S. or Massachusetts Retirement Systems

If you have paid into any of the retirement systems listed above during 2017, you may deduct those contributions, up to a maximum of $2,000.

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