Do I qualify for a deductible IRA in 2010?

When you say you "earn" 28k a year, is that from a salary or self- employment income? If yes, you do qualify to put $6000 into an IRA, and deduct it against your income. You might qualify for the retirement savings credit on form 8880 -- but if you're single, likely not from the numbers you've given.

Yes, you can. You are probably in the 25% tax bracket, so you get a decent tax break. And you can continue to put the maximum amount into your traditional IRA until you are 70 1/2, if you continue earning wages or self-employment income of at least $6,000 a year. After that, you can put funds into a Roth IRA.

Thanks to you both. Yes, my income is a salary. My husband died last year. We'd always been in the 15% bracket but now that I'm single I'm in the 25% bracket and would like to knock it down a bit. I have life insurance money that I can use.

Thanks again.

Sorry about your loss.

Please note that the IRS has a filing status called qualifying widower, which you can use for the two years after spouse died (in the year of death you do a MFJ return) if long you had a dependent living with you; see

'0.The tax rates are the same as married filing jointly, but theretirement credit is based on the single rates.

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'0.> The tax rates are the same as married filing jointly, but the> retirement credit is based on the single rates. Thanks but no kids at home, just me. Appreciate the info though. There are people in my grief support group who can benefit from this information