The Internal Revenue Service reminded people that contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs) made by the postponed tax return due date of July 15, 2020, are deductible on a 2019 tax return.
Taxpayers can file their 2019 tax return now and claim the deduction before the contribution is actually made. But the contribution must then be made by the July 15 due date of the return, not including extensions.
Most taxpayers who work and are under age 70½ at the end of 2019 are eligible to start a traditional IRA or add money to an existing account. Taxpayers can contribute to a Roth IRA at any age. Starting with tax year 2020, taxpayers of any age – even those over 70½ – can start a traditional IRA.
Contributions to a traditional IRA are usually tax deductible and withdrawals are generally taxable. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free. In addition, low and moderate-income taxpayers who make contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA may also qualify for the Saver’s Credit.
Eligible taxpayers can usually contribute up to $6,000 to an IRA for 2019. The limit is increased to $7,000 for taxpayers who were age 50 or older by the end of 2019.
Contributions to traditional IRAs are deductible up to the lesser of the contribution limit or 100% of the taxpayer’s compensation. Compensation is generally what a person earns from working. Click here to read more.