Prior-Year IRA Contributions
by Joy Burditt, VP/Operations, CISP, ALMI, ACS
Prior Year IRA Contributions
Individual contributions for the 2025 tax year can be made to a Traditional or Roth IRA from January 1, 2025, through April 15, 2026.
Contributions received in 2026 must include a signed, irrevocable written request specifying they are for 2025. This can be a note, check/deposit instruction, or email, including the tax year (2025), account number, and signature.
Key Reminders:
- Contributions without a written request will be applied to 2026 and cannot be reclassified.
- Ensure all required documentation is included to avoid incorrect tax reporting.
- For mail near the deadline, request a USPS retail postmark to confirm the date. See our USPS postmark guide for details.
SEP IRA Contributions
Employers must also provide irrevocable written documentation for prior-year (2025) SEP IRA contributions. Financial institutions must report contributions in the year received, so contributions made in 2026 will show as 2026 on Form 5498. Employers are responsible for maintaining records and providing IRS documentation to claim prior-year deductions. Qualified Tax Advisors will use payroll/tax records to support deductions on business returns.
Important: Your Form 5498 will show SEP‑IRA contributions in the calendar year received by the custodian. Your Qualified Tax Advisor will use your internal payroll/tax records to support a prior‑year deduction on the business return.
