Poll worker wages not included in earned income for Roth IRA contributions

cmizz
cmizz Member Posts: 2 Newcomer
in Income

Hi,

I have a similar problem as a recent user. I was paid $460 as a poll worker in 2024, but they (legally) didn't withhold any tax at all, and because it's under $600, I didn't receive a W-2. However, I completed a W-4, and the election board confirmed the above information, so I know these payments are considered wages.

I entered $460 in the Other Income > Miscellaneous Income field as FreeTaxUSA instructs for election workers, but it now says I overcontributed to my Roth IRA because it doesn't include that $460 in my earned income. How should I remedy this?

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Answers

  • DaveT
    DaveT Member Posts: 73

    If the $460 is your only earned income, does a $460 contribution to a Roth IRA really make much difference?

  • cmizz
    cmizz Member Posts: 2 Newcomer

    I have other earned income from a W-2 for something else, but either way I’d prefer not to withdrawal the “excess.”

  • Ktownguy
    Ktownguy Member Posts: 1 Newcomer

    same question as original poster - has anyone found an answer? I have found answers for other tax software but not freetaxusa

  • DaveT
    DaveT Member Posts: 73
    https://community.freetaxusa.com/discussion/comment/4601#Comment_4601

    What is the solution with other tax software?

  • CoryF
    CoryF FreeTaxUSA Agent Posts: 189

    Thank you for this discussion.

    Rather than entering the income as "Other Income", you could change it to self-employment income and add a Schedule C to your tax return. You may have to pay a little extra tax in the Schedule SE for self-employment, but it would increase your Earned Income for IRA calculations and allow the contribution as you have entered it.

    If you want more assistance with this issue, please consider contacting the Customer Support team by email within your FreeTaxUSA account.

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