Fill out 8880 (Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions) online
Form 8880 is used to claim the Saver's Credit (Retirement Savings Contributions Credit), a nonrefundable tax credit for eligible taxpayers who contribute to an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE, SEP, or other qualified retirement plan. The credit ranges from 10% to 50% of contributions up to $2,000 ($4,000 if married filing jointly), depending on adjusted gross income.
How to fill out 8880 (Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions)
Enter your retirement contributions
On lines 1 and 2, enter your traditional and Roth IRA contributions, elective deferrals to 401(k)/403(b)/governmental 457/SIMPLE/SEP plans, and voluntary after-tax employee contributions. Include contributions for both you and your spouse if filing jointly.
Subtract certain distributions
On line 4, enter distributions you received from retirement plans during the current tax year, the two preceding tax years, and the period after the tax year through the filing deadline. These distributions reduce the contribution amount eligible for the credit.
Calculate your credit rate
Use the table in the form instructions to determine your credit rate (50%, 20%, or 10%) based on your adjusted gross income and filing status. Enter the applicable rate on line 8.
Compute and transfer the credit
Multiply your eligible contributions (up to $2,000 per person) by the credit rate to calculate the credit amount. The credit cannot exceed your tax liability. Report the result on Schedule 3, line 4.
About 8880 (Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions)
Who needs this form
Taxpayers age 18 or older who are not full-time students and are not claimed as dependents on another return. Your adjusted gross income must fall below the threshold specified in the form instructions for your filing status.
Where to submit
Attach Form 8880 to your Form 1040 or 1040-SR. The credit amount is reported on Schedule 3 (Additional Credits and Payments), line 4.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Check the latest official form instructions for the filing year that applies to you.
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Claiming the credit when your AGI exceeds the income threshold for your filing status
- Not subtracting distributions received from retirement plans in the testing period (current year and two prior years)
- Forgetting that full-time students and dependents are ineligible regardless of income
- Confusing the credit with the tax deduction for IRA contributions (they are separate benefits)
Frequently asked questions
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Can I claim both the Saver's Credit and a tax deduction for IRA contributions?
Yes. The Saver's Credit (Form 8880) and the IRA contribution deduction are separate tax benefits. You can deduct your traditional IRA contribution on Schedule 1 to reduce your taxable income, and separately claim the Saver's Credit on Form 8880 for the same contribution, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each.
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