Plan Funding

What is the deadline to make IRA contributions?

Updated Sep 5, 20262 min read

Quick answer

IRA contribution deadlines vary by plan type. Traditional and Roth IRAs share the same deadline; SEP and SIMPLE IRAs follow the employer's tax filing calendar. All dates listed are for the tax year in which the contribution applies.

Traditional IRA and Roth IRA

Contributions must be received by your IRA custodian by April 15 of the year following the tax year. No extensions are available. Filing a tax return extension does not extend your IRA contribution deadline.

SEP IRA

SEP IRA contributions may be made up to the tax filing deadline of the sponsoring business, including extensions. For most pass-through entities (sole proprietors, partnerships, and S corporations), the extended deadline falls on September 15. For C corporations, it is October 15.

SIMPLE IRA

Employee salary deferrals are made through payroll during the plan year and must be deposited within a short period after each paycheck, generally within 30 days of the end of the month in which the funds were withheld. Employer contributions follow the business tax filing deadline including extensions, consistent with the SEP IRA schedule above.

When the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday

If a contribution deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. This applies to all IRA types.

Plan ahead

Contributions to a self-directed IRA require processing time at IRA Resources before they are reflected in your account. Do not wait until the final days of the contribution window to send funds. Submit your contribution and Deposit Coupon with enough lead time for custodial processing, at least several business days before your deadline.

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