I've just signed up after learning a lot from these boards during the trial preiod. I have a couple questions I hope the folks here can answer.

I just retired from the military in 2004. I'm starting a new job as a consultant in 2005 - independant contractor so I'm self employed. In 2004 I meet the eligibility for a ROTH IRA - but not the deductible Traditional IRA - was covered for 10 months with my military retirement plan - yes the box is checked on my w-2. However, in 2005 with my pension and the self employment net earnings it looks like my 2005 AGI will be $119K. (btw, I'm single and 49 in 2004). This is with the adjustments of a SEP-IRA (I plan to put in place), medical premium and half the SE tax.

In table 1-1 of pub 590 (IRAs in case I got the number wrong) it defines "compensation" as NOT including pensions. But the AGI on the 1040 does include pensions. So I just wanted to confirm that I must include the pension in the AGI for purposes of deterimining Roth contribution level, if any, right? The compensation definition just applies to determine if you are eligible AT ALL for IRAs of either type, right?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.

Deb