2016 IRA contributions—it’s not too late!
This article organizes the original guidance on 2016 ira contributions—it’s not too late! into clear sections for easier reading and reference.
Overview
This opening section presents the main context from the original post.
Yes, there’s still time to make 2016 contributions to your IRA. The deadline for such contributions is April 18, 2017. If the contribution is deductible, it will lower your 2016 tax bill. But even if it isn’t, making a 2016 contribution is likely a good idea.
Benefits beyond a deduction
This section keeps the original guidance focused on benefits beyond a deduction.
Tax-advantaged retirement plans like IRAs allow your money to grow tax-deferred—or, in the case of Roth accounts, tax-free. But annual contributions are limited by tax law, and any unused limit can’t be carried forward to make larger contributions in future years.
This means that, once the contribution deadline has passed, the tax-advantaged savings opportunity is lost forever. So it is a good idea to use up as much of your annual limit as possible.
Contribution options
This section keeps the original guidance focused on contribution options.
The 2016 limit for total contributions to all IRAs generally is $5,500 ($6,500 if you were age 50 or older on December 31, 2016). If you have not already maxed out your 2016 limit, consider making one of these types of contributions by April 18:
1. Deductible traditional. If you and your spouse do not participate in an employer-sponsored plan such as a 401(k)—or you do but your income does not exceed certain limits—the contribution is fully deductible on your 2016 tax return. Account growth is tax-deferred; distributions are subject to income tax.
2. Roth. The contribution is not deductible, but qualified distributions—including growth—are tax-free. Income-based limits, however, may reduce or eliminate your ability to contribute.
3. Nondeductible traditional.
If your income is too high for you to fully benefit from a deductible traditional or a Roth contribution, you may benefit from a nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA. The account can still grow tax-deferred, and when you take qualified distributions you will be taxed only on the growth.
Alternatively, shortly after contributing, you may be able to convert the account to a Roth IRA with minimal tax liability.
Want to know which option best fits your situation? Contact us.
Related Resources
These resources connect the article topic with related Bowers service pages and approved professional reading.
FAQ
The questions below summarize the main points already covered in the article.
What is the main focus of 2016 IRA contributions—it’s not too late!?
The article focuses on 2016 ira contributions—it’s not too late! and organizes the original guidance into sections for easier review.
What topics does the article cover first?
The article begins with benefits beyond a deduction and then continues through the remaining points in the original post.
Which additional areas are included?
Additional sections include contribution options.
Does the post include action items or reminders?
Yes. The original post includes listed items that have been kept in list format for easier scanning.
Was the original post wording changed?
The revision keeps the author wording and updates the structure so the post is easier to read online.