Last-Minute Guide to IRA Contributions

You have until the tax-filing deadline—April 15, 2026—to make a last-minute contribution to your Traditional or Roth IRA for the 2025 tax year. Unlike many other tax moves that must be completed by December 31, this extension allows you to maximize your retirement nest egg even after the year has ended.

Why Act Now?

• Immediate Tax Savings: If you contribute to a Traditional IRA, you may be able to deduct that amount from your 2025 taxable income, potentially lowering your tax bill right now.
• Retroactive Growth: Funding your 2025 limit now preserves your ability to contribute the full amount for 2026 later this year.
• Catch-Up Power: If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an extra $1,000 "catch-up" amount, bringing your total 2025 limit to $8,000.

Important Note: When making a last-minute deposit, you must explicitly designate it as a "prior-year" or "2025" contribution with your financial institution to ensure it is coded correctly for the IRS.