Is someone who is just receiving severance pay during 2010 eligible to contribute to a retirement account, all other things being equal? Also, would it be the same answer if he's receiving payment from a deferred com plan also?
Severance pay is compensation and will be reflected in Box 1 of your W-2. It is earned income for purposes of contributing to an IRA or Roth IRA.
Deferred compensation payments are not considered to be earned income for purposes of contributing to an IRA or Roth IRA.
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