Saver’s MatchIRA Finder
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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How to open an IRA for the Saver’s Match

If you don’t have a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b) or IRA, the IRS says to open an IRA in 2027 to be ready for the matchIRS: Saver's Match, How to prepare. Here’s the checklist, with sources.

  1. Decide traditional or Roth. Contributions to either count toward the matchNotice 2026-48, Q&A B-2. But the match itself can be deposited directly only into a traditional (non-Roth) IRA or the non-Roth part of a workplace planNotice 2026-48, Q&A D-1. A Roth route through a conduit traditional IRA is only proposed so farNotice 2026-48, Q&A E-2(b). Roth route →
  2. Pick a provider that accepts the match. Providers aren’t required to accept itNotice 2026-48, Q&A I-2. A traditional IRA provider would register with Treasury and the IRS and get an IRA tracking numberNotice 2026-48, Q&A E-2(a). TrumpIRA.gov is to list qualifying IRAs, with net expense ratios at or below 0.15% and no minimum-contribution or balance requirementsEO 14403 (91 FR 24329), Sec. 2(c); it launches Jan. 1, 2027TrumpIRA.gov. Until then, see our watch list (not confirmed).
  3. Open the account before you file. You’d enter the provider’s IRA tracking number on Form 8880-A, so the IRA has to exist firstNotice 2026-48, Q&A E-2(a).
  4. Contribute. Any amount counts (there’s no minimum)IRS: Saver's Match; the match uses up to $2,000 per personNotice 2026-48, Q&A C-1. You need taxable compensation to contribute to an IRA; self-employment income countsIRS Pub. 590-A.
  5. Mind the deadline. IRA contributions made after Dec. 31, 2027 still count for 2027 if made by the 2028 filing deadline (without extensions) and designated for 2027Notice 2026-48, Q&A B-2. A tax refund deposited into an IRA through Form 8888 also counts if the IRS makes the deposit by that deadlineNotice 2026-48, Q&A B-2, fn. 14.
  6. Keep records of your contributionsIRS: Saver's Match, How to prepare, and avoid withdrawals: distributions in the testing period reduce the contributions countedNotice 2026-48, Q&A C-3.

Already have a workplace plan?

You may not need an IRA. Elective deferrals to a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), SIMPLE IRA or SEP countNotice 2026-48, Q&A B-2, and the match can go to the non-Roth portion of a 401(k), 403(b) or governmental 457(b) plan that accepts itNotice 2026-48, Q&A D-1, I-2.

Common questions

Do I need to open an IRA to get the Saver's Match?

Only if you have no workplace plan or IRA to contribute to. The IRS says people who can't contribute to an eligible plan and don't have a traditional or Roth IRA should open one in 2027.

When do I need to open it?

Before you file Form 8880-A, because you'd enter the registered provider's IRA tracking number on the form (Notice 2026-48 Q&A E-2(a)). To count contributions for 2027, contribute by the 2028 filing deadline (without extensions) and designate them for 2027 (Q&A B-2).

Can I use my tax refund to fund the IRA?

Yes. Notice 2026-48 says qualified contributions include a tax refund contributed to an IRA by requesting it on Form 8888, as long as the IRS makes the deposit by the filing deadline for that year (Q&A B-2 and fn. 14).

Which IRA providers accept the Saver's Match?

No official list as of 2026-10-17. Treasury expects TrumpIRA.gov to list IRAs that accept the match and meet cost criteria, including a 0.15% expense-ratio cap and no minimums (EO 14403 Sec. 2(c)).

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