Written by Tax Day has come and gone, but here’s something to think about if you filed an extension or for next year. Planning ahead can save you money.
Using a Tax Refund to Fund an IRA
What does the basic process entail?
An income tax refund can be directly deposited to an IRA up to the maximum annual contribution allowed ($5,000 for individuals under age 50 and $6,000 for individuals age 50 and older) rather than to a checking or savings account. It can also be split among multiple accounts.
- It is tax time! Prepare your tax return for the year.
- Determine the refund amount. Once you know how big your refunds will be, decide how much, if any, you would like to contribute to your IRA or Roth IRA up to the maximum annual contribution allowed.
- One, two, three. A refund going to only one account can be done directly on Form 1040. Prepare Form 8888 to direct the refund to up to three accounts.
- Watch out! If you use Form 8888, pay attention to the six cautions provided by the IRS on the instructions to ensure that you do not fall into any of those traps. The form can be found on the IRS’ website (www.irs.gov).
- Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. If the IRA deposit is meant to be for the prior year, make sure the institution will code it that way and that it is received in time. If the refund amount is adjusted for math errors or tax adjustments, check which accounts on the form are affected. You may need to do an amended return if the IRA deposit is adjusted. Refund offsets can be done against any accounts receiving the refund. Again, you may need to do an amended return. If the funds go into the wrong account, deal with the institution to get the funds credited to the correct account.
