I took an early distribution of $5.1K from my Trad IRA in 1998 for a qualified first-time homebuyer distribution. I have all the paperwork to support this. Can I repay?

[jaslou1248]

Will the repayment count toward my annual contribution to my Trad IRA? I am still able to contribute to an IRA (below age 70).

[MaryK4]

If you replace the funds within 60 days of the distribution, it will be a rollover and it will not count as a contribution.  However, if you are outside the 60 day window, it will count as a current year contribution which counts toward your annual amount. 

[dmertz]

The deadline to put any of the money taken out in 1998 back into an IRA passed more than 25 years ago.  Any money that you put into a traditional IRA now would be a new, unrelated contribution.