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Independent, unofficial guide. Not affiliated with the IRS, Treasury, or TrumpIRA.gov. Not tax advice. Rules below come from official guidance that is still proposed.
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Form 8880-A: how to claim the Saver’s Match

You claim the Saver’s Match by filing Form 8880-A with your 2027 federal return, filed in 2028IRS: Saver's MatchNotice 2026-48, Q&A A-1, E-1. The form and its instructions haven’t been published yet (as of 2026-10-19); here’s what the IRS and Treasury have said so far.

Before you file: a checklist

  1. Contribute in 2027 to a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), SIMPLE, SEP elective deferral or an IRA. Any amount countsIRS: Saver's MatchNotice 2026-48, Q&A B-2. IRA contributions made by the 2028 filing deadline can be designated for 2027Notice 2026-48, Q&A B-2.
  2. Have a place for the deposit. The match can go to a traditional (non-Roth) IRA or the non-Roth part of a 401(k), 403(b) or governmental 457(b) that accepts itNotice 2026-48, Q&A D-1. Accepting is optional for plans and providersNotice 2026-48, Q&A I-2.
  3. Get the IRA tracking number. A traditional IRA provider registers with Treasury and the IRS. You’d enter its IRA tracking number on Form 8880-A, so open the account firstNotice 2026-48, Q&A E-2(a). How to open an IRA →
  4. Keep records of your 2027 contributionsIRS: Saver's Match, How to prepare.
  5. Check your income: the match phases out by modified AGIIRS: Saver's Match. Estimate yours →

On the form: choose where the match goes

When you file your 2027 Form 8880-A, you’ll generally choose the retirement plan or IRA where your match ends upNotice 2026-48, Q&A I-3 model notice. If your match would be under $100, you can choose a refundable tax credit insteadNotice 2026-48, Q&A D-2.

Married couples

Eligibility and the match are worked out separately for each spouse, even on a joint returnNotice 2026-48, Q&A C-1IRS: Saver's Match. Married filing jointly guide →

Don’t confuse it with Form 8880

Form 8880 is for the Saver’s CreditIRS: Form 8880. For 2027 and later it’s expected to be used only for ABLE account contributionsNotice 2026-48, Q&A A-1. Match vs. Credit →

We’ll update this page when the IRS publishes Form 8880-A and its instructions. Not tax advice.

Common questions

What is Form 8880-A?

The new IRS form, Saver's Match for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions, that you'll file with your 2027 federal return to claim the match. As of 2026-10-19 it has not been published (Notice 2026-48 Q&A A-1).

When do I file it?

With your 2027 tax return, which you file in 2028 (IRS Saver's Match page).

What do I need before filing?

A retirement plan or IRA that accepts the match. For a traditional IRA, the provider must be registered and you'd enter its IRA tracking number on the form (Notice 2026-48 Q&A E-2(a)). Also keep records of your 2027 contributions (IRS).

Can I get the money as a refund instead?

Only if your match would be less than $100. Then you can elect a refundable tax credit instead of a deposit (Notice 2026-48 Q&A D-2).

Married filing jointly: one form or two?

Each spouse's eligibility and match are determined independently, and the under-$100 refundable-credit option applies to each spouse separately (Notice 2026-48 Q&A C-1 and D-2). The final form instructions will say exactly how joint filers complete it.

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