April 15 is almost here, and if you're looking for a last-minute tax break, you're running out of time. Contributing to an IRA is a smart move, but after April 15, you won't be able to make a contribution for the 2013 tax year any longer.
In the following video, Dan Caplinger, The Motley Fool's director of investment planning, looks at IRAs and what you need to do to get in under the wire. Dan reminds viewers that IRAs let you contribute up to $5,500 for those under age 50 or $6,500 for those 50 or older, with 2013 contributions allowed up until the April 15 tax-filing deadline. But he also points out that even though you can get an extension for filing your tax return, you can't get extra time to contribute to an IRA. Dan therefore suggests working with your financial provider to make sure you meet any necessary deadlines, potentially visiting institutions in person rather than counting on online or other electronic means to get your contributions made.
