What is the deadline to make an IRA contribution for a given year?

You have until the federal tax-filing deadline – typically April 15 of the following year – to make IRA contributions for the prior tax year. So your 2025 IRA contribution can be made anytime from January 1, 2025, all the way through April 15, 2026. This extra window is handy if you want to fund last year's IRA after seeing your final income, or if you get a tax refund you'd rather invest. Importantly, filing an extension on your tax return does NOT extend the IRA contribution deadline – it stays at the April due date. When you contribute between January and April, tell your custodian which tax year you intend it for, since they default to the current year. Contributing earlier in the year, though, gives your money more time to grow tax-advantaged.