The IRS is firm on the tax filing deadline. An IRA contribution for the prior calendar year must be made by the tax filing deadline, which does not include extensions. Contributions made after April 15th (or an alternate date if this date falls on a holiday or a weekend) will count as a contribution for the current tax year. For example, a contribution made after the 2017 tax filing deadline will be considered a 2018 IRA account contribution.
Also, when you make an IRA contribution on or before April 15th, be sure to advise the custodian that it is a contribution for the prior tax year if this is your intent.
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