As we approach the end of 2025, it’s important to be aware of key retirement plan deadlines to ensure you maximize your contributions, minimize your taxes, and avoid any penalties.
For retirement plans, the most important year-end tax dates in 2025 revolve around taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) by December 31st and making final contributions for the 2025 tax year.
Key Deadlines
December 31, 2025
- 2025 Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Most retirement account owners aged 73 or older must take their 2025 RMD by this date. This also applies to beneficiaries of inherited IRAs.
- 401(k) and 403(b) contributions: This is the last day to make employee contributions to employer-sponsored plans for the 2025 tax year.
- Roth IRA conversions: The conversion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA must be completed by this date to be considered a 2025 transaction.
- Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you are 70½ or older, a QCD for 2025 must be completed by December 31st.
January 30, 2026
- Self-employed SIMPLE IRA contributions: Self-employed individuals must deposit their 2025 salary reduction contributions to a SIMPLE IRA by this date.
April 15, 2026
- Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs): This is the deadline to make contributions for the 2025 tax year to a traditional or Roth IRA. This date applies even if you file for a tax extension.
- Self-employed and C-Corp contributions: The deadline for employer contributions to SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs (as well as solo 401(k)s and other plans) for the 2025 tax year is April 15th, or the extended due date of your federal income tax return.
If any of these situations apply to you, be sure to set reminders for the applicable dates to make the most of your retirement plans.
Please comment or send an email if you have any questions.
Joe Baker, CFP®
Baker Asset Management, LLC
joebaker@bakerassetmanagement.com
