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December 3, 2025

Money Matters
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Can I Contribute to My IRA After December 31?

Jatniel Brito
4 minute read

Wondering if you can contribute to your IRA after December 31? Learn about contribution deadlines, end-of-year and new-year retirement planning, and tips to keep your retirement savings on track.

As the year comes to a close, many people realize they haven’t maxed out their IRA contributions. That’s when the big question comes up: “Did I miss the deadline? Is December 31st the cutoff?”  

The good news is you’re not out of time. The IRS permits IRA contributions for the prior tax year up until the next year’s tax filing deadline (generally April 15), giving you a valuable opportunity to maximize your retirement savings.

Why Contributing Before the Deadline Matters

Many people assume the calendar year-end is the cutoff for IRA contributions. In reality, both Traditional and Roth IRAs allow contributions for the prior year up until the tax filing deadline, usually April 15. This means that even after January 1, you can still make contributions that count for the previous year.

Late-year or early-new-year contributions help you:

  • Maximize your retirement savings for the previous year
  • Take advantage of tax benefits
  • Keep your long-term retirement plan on track

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Every additional dollar contributed allows your investments more time to compound, potentially increasing the value of your retirement account over decades.

IRA Contribution Limits

If you haven’t contributed to your IRA yet, you still have time before the tax filing deadline (typically April 15) to make contributions for the previous year. Knowing the contribution limits helps you maximize your retirement savings and avoid penalties.

2025 IRA Contribution Limits

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2026 IRA Contribution Limits

  • Under 50 years old: $7,500 per year
  • 50 or older: $8,600 per year (includes $1,100 catch-up contribution)

‍

IRA Contribution Deadlines

Keeping track of IRA deadlines is key to making the most of your retirement savings and avoiding missed opportunities. Here’s what to know:

  • Previous-year contributions: You can make contributions for the prior tax year starting January 1 and continuing up until the tax filing deadline (usually April 15).
  • After the deadline: Any contributions made after the tax filing deadline automatically count toward the current tax year.

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Choosing the Right IRA for Late Contributions

If you’re contributing late in the year, it’s important to understand how each type of IRA works:

  • ‍Traditional IRA: Contributions for the prior year may be tax-deductible, lowering your taxable income. Savings grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. This is ideal for those who want last year’s tax benefits or expect a lower tax bracket in retirement.‍
  • Roth IRA: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and qualified withdrawals, including both contributions and earnings, are tax-free in retirement. Roth IRAs can be a good choice if you expect higher taxes in retirement or want flexible, tax-free retirement income.

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Tips to Keep Your Retirement Plan on Track

  1. Check eligibility: Roth IRAs have income limits, and Traditional IRA deductibility depends on income and workplace retirement plans.
  2. Designate the correct tax year: Ensure contributions are applied to the correct tax year to avoid errors, tax confusion, or penalties for exceeding annual limits.
  3. Be aware of combined limits: Contribution limits apply to the combined total of all your Traditional and Roth IRA contributions.
  4. Automate contributions: This can help you consistently reach the annual IRA contribution limit, maximizing your long-term retirement potential.
  5. Use catch-up contributions: If you’re 50+, take advantage of the $1,000 extra to boost retirement savings.
  6. Plan for the new year: Once you’ve made contributions for the previous year, set up a plan to maximize your IRA for the current year.

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Roll Over Into a Traditional or Roth IRA

Contributions to your IRA after December 31 are allowed and can still count for the previous year, as long as they are made by the tax filing deadline. Whether you’re catching up on last year’s contributions or getting an early start for the new year, each contribution helps maximize your retirement potential. 

At PensionBee, you can roll over into Traditional and Roth IRAs, with many rollovers happening automatically. If yours needs extra attention, our personal rollover managers, called BeeKeepers, are here to help every step of the way. You’ll get expert management and diversified portfolios with ETFs powered by State Street Investment Management, one of the world’s largest asset managers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I contribute to my IRA after April 15 for the previous year?

No. Contributions made after April 15 count toward the current tax year.

2. How do I designate a contribution for the previous year?

When making an IRA contribution, you can typically designate which tax year the deposit applies to.

3. Can I contribute to both a Traditional and Roth IRA in the same year?

Yes. You can contribute to both types of IRAs in the same year, but the total combined contributions cannot exceed the annual limit for the given year.

2025 IRA Contribution Limits

  • Under 50 years old: $7,000 per year
  • 50 or older: $8,000 per year (includes $1,000 catch-up contribution)

‍

2026 IRA Contribution Limits

  • Under 50 years old: $7,500 per year
  • 50 or older: $8,600 per year (includes $1,100 catch-up contribution)

‍

Contributions to a Roth IRA are also subject to income eligibility rules, so your total contributions may be limited depending on your earnings.

4. Is it better to contribute early in the year or wait until the April deadline?

Contributing early in the year gives your funds more time to potentially grow through compound interest and helps ensure you meet your annual contribution limit before the tax filing deadline.

Your investment can go down as well as up. This post, and any associated customer testimonial or third party endorsement, is provided solely for informational and educational purposes, should not be taken as tax, legal, financial or investment advice and is not an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any securities or investments.

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