For the 2025 tax year, you enter your Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (also known as the Saver’s Credit) on Form 8880. This form is used to calculate the amount of your credit based on your eligible contributions and your modified adjusted gross income (AGI). After completing Form 8880, you report the credit amount on Schedule 3 (Form 1040), line 4, and you must attach Form 8880 to your tax return.
Eligible Contributions
- Contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA
- Elective deferrals (salary reductions) to a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), SEP, SIMPLE, or the federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Voluntary after-tax employee contributions to a qualified retirement plan or section 403(b) annuity
- Contributions to a section 501(c)(18) plan
Maximum Credit and Contribution Limits
- The maximum credit is $1,000 for single filers or married filing separately, and $2,000 for married filing jointly.
- The maximum eligible contribution taken into account for the credit is $2,000 per person. For joint filers, up to $2,000 is allowed for each spouse.
Income Limits for 2025
- Married filing jointly: Modified AGI ≤ $79,000
- Head of household: Modified AGI ≤ $59,250
- Single, married filing separately, or qualifying surviving spouse: Modified AGI ≤ $39,500
Important Notes
- The credit is nonrefundable and reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar, but cannot exceed your total tax liability (excluding refundable credits).
- You must reduce your eligible contributions by any distributions received from retirement accounts during the testing period (the year you claim the credit, plus the two prior years, and up to the due date of your return).
- If you file jointly, distributions received by your spouse are treated as if received by you.
Source:
Form 8880 (2025)
Publication 590-A (2025)
Disclaimer: Always verify details with the current year’s official IRS forms and instructions from the Federal or State Department of Revenue. For complex situations, consult a tax professional or attorney.