If you're reading this in April, every day matters. ACH transfers take 1 to 3 business days to settle. Brokerage cutoff times vary. Here's what you need to do today, and the one mistake that turns your 2025 contribution into a 2026 contribution.
Time is the constraint. Bank transfers don't clear instantly, and most brokerages need the cash to actually settle before the deadline counts.
If you don't, opening one with Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab takes about 10 minutes online. The account must exist before you can fund it.
ACH transfers typically take 1-3 business days. A wire transfer is usually same-day if initiated before 4 PM ET, but costs $15-30. Cutting it close on the wire option is your safest bet on April 14 or 15.
This is the most-missed step. The brokerage form will ask which tax year — pick the prior year (e.g. 2025 if you're funding it in April 2026). Default settings often pick the current year, which silently nukes your intent.
Check your account in 1-2 business days. The contribution should show with the correct tax year. If it shows the wrong year, contact the brokerage immediately — they can recharacterize within a short window.
These are typical cutoffs for major brokerages. Times can vary year to year and the brokerage may adjust them at the deadline — confirm with yours before relying on a tight cutoff.
| Method | Typical cutoff | Settlement time |
|---|---|---|
| ACH transfer (initiated online) | 11:59 PM April 15 | 1–3 business days |
| Wire transfer | 4 PM ET April 15 | Same day |
| Internal brokerage transfer (cash on hand) | 11:59 PM April 15 | Instant |
| Paper check (postmark) | April 15 postmark | 5–10 business days |
The safest path on April 15 itself: cash already in the brokerage, then internal transfer to the IRA. The ACH option works if initiated by April 12 at the latest.
Between January 1 and April 15, every IRA contribution can count toward either the prior or current tax year. The brokerage form makes you choose. If you don't, most platforms default to the current year — which means your panic-funded April 14 contribution counts toward 2026 instead of 2025.
Once you submit, check your account history within 1-2 days to confirm the contribution is logged under the correct year. Mistakes can usually be corrected if you catch them within a week.
The April 14 panic happens because nothing reminded you in February when you had two months to act. Set up an automatic monthly transfer from your bank ($584/month gets you to $7,000 by year-end), or at minimum set a recurring annual reminder for early February.
See the main IRA contribution page for the full reminder setup, or check the missed-deadline guide if you've already passed April 15.
Done in seconds. No sign-up required.
The funds must be received and posted by your brokerage before midnight in their time zone on April 15. Most brokerages accept transfers initiated by 11:59 PM, but ACH can take 1 to 3 business days to settle. Wire transfers usually clear same-day if initiated before 4 PM ET.
For Traditional and Roth IRAs, April 15 of the year following the tax year. There's no grace period and no extension available. SEP IRAs follow the business tax filing deadline including extensions, which can stretch to October 15.
Forgetting to designate the contribution year on the brokerage form. Between January 1 and April 15, contributions can count toward either the prior or current tax year — you must specify which. If you don't pick, most brokerages default to the current year, which means your 2025 contribution accidentally becomes a 2026 contribution.
It depends on when your brokerage records the contribution. Most major brokerages (Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab) credit the contribution on the date you initiate it through their platform, even if the cash settles later — but only if you correctly designate the year. To be safe, initiate by April 12 and confirm the year designation.
Yes, if it's postmarked by April 15. Most custodians accept paper checks postmarked by the deadline date. Send via certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of mailing date. Include a contribution slip indicating the tax year.
Contribute what you can. Partial contributions count. If you put in $3,000 by April 15 and the rest later, the $3,000 counts for the prior year and the rest counts for the current year. There is no minimum contribution requirement.
A free recurring reminder set to fire in early February. Two months of runway, every year. No account required.
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