Reporting your IRA deduction. You must file your tax return on Form 1040 or 1040A to claim a deduction for your traditional IRA contributions. The IRS categorizes it as an above-the-line deduction, meaning you can take it regardless of whether you itemize or claim the standard deduction.f you or your spouse contributes to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), and your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds annual limits, you may need to reduce or entirely eliminate your IRA deduction.