Skip to main content
All CollectionsIRS Tax Topics
RS - Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver's Credit)
RS - Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver's Credit)

Saving for retirement? You might qualify for a tax credit!

Angelo Noel avatar
Written by Angelo Noel
Updated over a week ago

What is the Saver's Credit?

This credit rewards low- and moderate-income individuals who contribute to retirement accounts or ABLE plans. It’s a nonrefundable tax credit worth up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples) and can reduce your tax bill dollar-for-dollar.

How Much Can You Claim?

The credit is 10%, 20%, or 50% of eligible contributions, capped at $2,000 for single filers ($4,000 for joint filers). For example:

  • 50% credit: Up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint)

  • 20% credit: Up to $400 ($800 joint)

  • 10% credit: Up to $200 ($400 joint)

The amount of the saver's credit you can get can be as low as 10% or as high as 50% and is generally based on the contributions you make and your adjusted gross income.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Age: Must be 18+ and not a full-time student.

  2. Income: Adjusted gross income (AGI) must be below thresholds (e.g., $79,000 for married couples in 2025).

  3. Dependency: Cannot be claimed as a dependent on another’s return.

Which Accounts Qualify?

Contributions to traditional/Roth IRAs, 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, ABLE accounts, or SIMPLE IRAs may qualify. Rollovers do not count.

How to Claim It

  1. Form 8880: Calculate your credit using this IRS form.

  2. Form 1040: Report the credit on your tax return (attach Schedule 3 and Form 8880).

Claim the credit on Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors or on Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (attach Schedule 3 (Form 1040) PDF and Form 8880).


Need help? Check IRS resources like Publication 590-A or Form 8880 instructions.

Did this answer your question?