South Carolina Life Insurance Practice Exam

Who can make a fully deductible contribution to a traditional IRA?

1. An individual without an employer-sponsored plan

2. Anyone under 50 years old

3. Individuals with high income

4. A person with only part-time income

The correct answer is: An individual without an employer-sponsored plan

A fully deductible contribution to a traditional IRA is allowed primarily for individuals who do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan. This is because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets specific qualifications based on whether the individual is covered by such a plan. If an individual works for an employer that offers a retirement plan, the ability to make fully deductible contributions may be limited by income thresholds. In contrast, those without access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan can fully deduct their contributions regardless of income level. While other factors like age and the type of income can influence contributions and their deductibility, they do not provide the same level of deduction eligibility as being outside the employer-plan framework. For example, individuals under 50 years old or those with only part-time income may still have limitations placed on their deductibility based on other criteria, such as whether they have access to a plan through their employer. Therefore, the most straightforward condition for making a fully deductible contribution is indeed the absence of an employer-sponsored plan.