Can I withdraw funds from my IRA in 2019 and give them to my spouse to deposit to her IRA for 2018

[SweetieJean · Accepted solution]

Well, you would have to pay 2019 taxes on the withdrawal, plus possibly a penalty.

Did wife have 2018 earned income?

[dmertz]

Also, doing this would prevent your spouse from realizing any Retirement Savings Contributions Credit for this IRA contribution.

Even if your wife did not have earned income, if you had sufficient earned income you can use that income to support a spousal IRA contribution as long as you file jointly.