Skip to main content
January 7, 2024
Solved

When doing a backdoor Roth while married (whether filing separately or jointly) does the pro-rata rule apply to both partners' IRAs or is it by individual person?

  • January 7, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views
No text available
Best answer by dmertz

The question seems to be mixing unrelated concepts.  As Opus 17 said, the pro-rata rule applies to the individual, so Form 8606 is an individual form no matter the individual's marital status or filing status.  If both spouses make transactions that are reportable on Form 8606, a joint tax return will contain two Forms 8606, one for each individual.

 

MAGI, filing status and which spouses are covered by a workplace retirement plan determines the deductibility of the individual's traditional IRA contribution.

3 replies

Employee
January 7, 2024

I'll page @dmertz 

Employee
January 7, 2024

IRAs are owned by individuals and the rules apply individually, even if you are married. 

dmertzAnswer
Employee
January 7, 2024

The question seems to be mixing unrelated concepts.  As Opus 17 said, the pro-rata rule applies to the individual, so Form 8606 is an individual form no matter the individual's marital status or filing status.  If both spouses make transactions that are reportable on Form 8606, a joint tax return will contain two Forms 8606, one for each individual.

 

MAGI, filing status and which spouses are covered by a workplace retirement plan determines the deductibility of the individual's traditional IRA contribution.