"tell us how much of the above total contribution for 2020 you contributed between 1/1/21 and 4/15/21". it's confusing me bc i'm not sure it's asking about 2020 or 2021

[DoninGA]

You are completing a 2020 tax return so the question is asking if you contributed in 2021 for the entry on the 2020 return.

[erikaminetti-icl]

I see. How do I find that out?

[DoninGA]

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@erikaminetti-icl wrote:

I see. How do I find that out?

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If you have not personally contributed to an IRA in 2021 then leave the that box blank and Continue.

[erikaminetti-icl]

I do every month, but how do I know it applies to 2020? I thought the amount I contribute in 2021 will be dealt with next year in my tax return

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

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@erikaminetti-icl wrote:

I do every month, but how do I know it applies to 2020? I thought the amount I contribute in 2021 will be dealt with next year in my tax return

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You would have to ask your IRA plan administrator if the contributions made in 2021 are designated for 2020 or 2021.

[dmertz]

Unless you explicitly specify to the IRA custodian that a contribution made between January 1 and April 15 is a contribution for the prior year, by default the custodian must treat the contribution as a contribution for the year in which the contribution is made.  In the case of a contribution made between January 1, 2021 and April 15, 2021 (perhaps now May 17, 2021 due to the extension of the filing deadline for 2020 tax returns), if you did not specify to the IRA custodian that it was to be a contribution for 2020, the custodian will treat it as a contribution for 2021.  Regular monthly contributions would probably be contributions for the year in which the contributions are made, but check with the IRA custodian to be sure.