If a married couple is filing a joint return, can both open an IRA?

Q: If a married couple is filing a joint return, can both open an IRA if 100% of the income is from one partner? —JD Morris, Quincy

The following answer was provided by Barbara Damon, CPA, Edelstein & Company LLP.

A: You may be able to both open an IRA even though only one of you is working. Essentially the unemployed spouse is entitled to 'borrow' earned income from the employed spouse up to the amount needed for making the IRA contribution. If the employed spouse makes less than $6,000 there are future limitations. If the employed spouse is an active participant in a retirement plan, then there are income limits to be considered for the ability to make a deductible IRA.