Chapter 1 - Contributions Deemed IRAs Starting for plan years beginning in 2003, individuals may voluntarily make Roth or Traditional IRA contributions to employer-maintained retirement plans. The statute refers to these contributions as deemed IRAs under qualified employer plans. [IRC §408(q)(1)] For this purpose, employer-maintained plans include qualified plans such as 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, 403(b) plans, and 457 plans. Such contributions may only be made if the retirement plan is amended to permit them. The IRS issued sample plan amendments for qualified employer plans to allow employees to make deemed IRA contributions. [Rev. Proc. 2003-13] Some employers could decide not to allow such contributions in their plans. The contributions must be accounted for separately from other plan assets. The separate account also must meet the requirements applicable to either Traditional or Roth IRAs and contributions to these accounts will be treated as made to a Traditional or Roth IRA and such contributions will not count towards the applicable employer plan limits and must be fully vested at all times. IRA Digital Reference Manual © PMC