2014 IRA Contributions: It’s Not Too Late

Whether you are still working or retired, you should periodically review your IRAs. Here are few things to remember.

Contribution limits

If you are still working, review the 2014 IRA contribution and deductionlimits to make sure you are taking full advantage of the opportunity to save for your retirement. You can make 2014 IRA contributions until April 15, 2015.

Excess contributions

If you exceed the 2014 IRA contribution limit, you may withdraw excess contributions from your account by the due date of your tax return (including extensions). Otherwise, you must pay a 6% tax each year on the excess amounts left in your account.

Required minimum distributions

If you are age 70½ or older this year, you must take a 2014 required minimum distribution by December 31, 2014 (by April 1, 2015, if you turned 70½ in 2014). Required minimum distributions must be calculated separately for each IRA that you own other than any Roth IRAs, but you can withdraw the total amount from one or more of your non-Roth IRAs. Remember that you face a 50% excise tax on any required minimum distribution that you fail to take on time.