I contributed to my Tiaa Cref account before the 366 period in which my employer would contribute as well. Can I count that as an IRA contribution?

[shelly-rasmussen440]

Can I count my contribution to my TIAA CREF account that I made at my new position before my employer began to contribute on my behlaf as well?

[SabrinaD2]

Contributions to your TIAA-CREF account are part of your employer's retirement plan, like a 403(b) or 401(k). They generally cannot be counted as IRA contributions. During the initial 366-day vesting period, both your contributions and your employer's are held in an interest-bearing account. If you leave before the period ends, your money is back with interest, but you lose the employer's money. See TIAA link.

If you're interested in making IRA contributions, you'll need to open a separate IRA account. See IRS article.