Short answer: Yes, you can contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA, but if your income exceeds the IRS limits, you might lose out on one of the tax benefits of the traditional IRA. (Even if you’re ineligible to deduct your IRA contribution, you can still contribute to an IRA. Read more about nondeductible IRAs.)

The maximum total annual contribution for all your IRAs (Traditional and Roth) combined is: $6,000 (for 2020) and $6,000 (for 2021) if you’re under age 50. $7,000 (for 2020) and $7,000 (for 2021) if you’re age 50 or older.

Traditional individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are tax-deferred, meaning that you don’t have to pay tax on any interest or other gains the account earns until you withdrawal the money. The contributions you make to the account may entitle you to a tax deduction each year.

If you participate in an employer’s retirement plan, such as a 401(k), and your adjusted gross income (AGI) is equal to or less than the number in the first column for your tax filing status, you are able to make and deduct a traditional IRA contribution up to the maximum of $6,000, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older, in …

The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan is increased from $19,000 to $19,500. The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in these plans is increased from $6,000 to $6,500.

A traditional 401(k) offers a way to reduce your taxable income now and save for retirement. However, you can’t deduct the money on your tax return. Your 401(k) contributions were handled through your employer, which means any 401(k) tax deduction was taken on your paycheck by adjusting your taxable income.

With any tax-deferred 401(k), workers set aside part of their pay before federal and state income taxes are withheld. These plans save you taxes today: Money pulled from your take-home pay and put into a 401(k) lowers your taxable income so you pay less income tax.