When Can I Make My 2026 Contribution?
2026 IRA contribution rules, deadlines, and how to get started.
2026 IRA Contribution Rules
If you are contributing to the current tax year, your contribution can be made as early as January 1. For individuals with earned income, you may contribute up to the maximum of $7,000 if under age 50 or up to $8,600 if age 50 or over. You may contribute as often as you wish during the year (monthly, quarterly, etc.) as long as you do not exceed your eligible limit, which cannot exceed the maximum of $7,500 if under age 50 or $8,600 if age 50 or over.
With a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP), the annual contribution limit increases to $72,000 for 2026, enabling a quick source of funding for a self-directed IRA. Plus, you may still make an additional annual IRA contribution of $7,500 (or $8,600 if you are 50+), you can quickly amass a sufficient balance to start self-directing an IRA.
Deadline to Contribute
The 2026 contribution deadline is April 15, 2027 (excluding extensions). The envelope must be postmarked to STRATA (not your dealer) by April 15 (excluding extensions).
USPS changes:
Effective December 24, 2025, the United States Postal Service clarified that a postmark reflects when mail is processed at a USPS processing facility—not when it’s dropped off at a post office or mailbox. This means items mailed close to a deadline may receive a postmark dated after the deadline, even if they were sent “on time.”
What you can do:
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Mail time-sensitive items earlier than the deadline
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Request a hand-stamped postmark at the post office
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Use electronic or ACH options when available
Planning ahead can help you avoid delays and protect your retirement and savings contributions.
How to Get Started
You may send funds to your IRA by check, ACH, or wire. You will need to complete and submit the Deposit Certification form with your contribution to ensure the funds are deposited for the proper tax year. To learn more, see Fund My Account.
Additional Resources
For a quick chart of IRA contribution limits for Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA plans, refer to STRATA’s IRA Annual Limits.