Question:
❓It’s March 10, 2026.
You have not made any IRA contribution for the 2025 tax year yet, but you want to.
Which statement is true?
A) You are too late. IRA contributions for 2025 had to be made by December 31, 2025.
B) You can still make a 2025 IRA contribution up to the tax-filing deadline in 2026, as long as you mark it for 2025.
C) You can only make a 2025 IRA contribution now if you file a tax extension.
D) You can only make a 2025 Roth IRA contribution now, not a traditional IRA contribution.
Answer:
✅ B) You can still make a 2025 IRA contribution up to the tax-filing deadline in 2026, as long as you mark it for 2025.
You can still make a prior-year IRA contribution right up to the tax-filing deadline—not just December 31. So in spring 2026 you can fund a 2025 IRA, as long as you mark it for 2025.
For both Roth and traditional IRAs, you usually get until the following year’s filing deadline to make a prior-year contribution. Just tell the provider clearly that it’s for the earlier year. Why the others miss the mark:
- A) December 31 isn’t the IRA cutoff—that date matters more for 401(k) salary deferrals.
- C) You don’t need to file an extension to make a prior-year IRA contribution; the normal deadline is enough for most people.
- D) Roth and traditional follow the same timing—the difference is how they’re taxed, not when you can fund them.
The calendar can work in your favor. Knowing you usually have until tax time gives you room to plan, especially if cash flow was tight in December.
We walk through timing moves like this in real-life terms inside The World Changers Network.
