Can I make a "normal" IRA contribution for 2016 prior to April 2017, given that I had earned income in 2016 and will turn 701/2 on March 20, 2017?

[djbhome]

I did not make an IRA contribution in calendar year 2016.

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Yes. Since the contribution, to a Traditional IRA,  will be  for tax year 2016 (before you turned 70-1/2).

Although you will be barred from making a traditional IRA contribution, for tax year 2017, you can make Roth IRA contributions past 70-1/2 as long as you have earned income compensation.