SIMPLE IRA funding question

Question on SIMPLE IRA funding dates.

Client is a sole proprietor, self employed, single member LLC. He is over age 50.

He made a $16,500 employee contribution on May 1, 2021 as a 2020 contribution.

Is this fine and allowable? CPA seems to think it had to be in by Jan 30th and are questioning if an “elective deferral” would be allowed. My IRA dept says if they file as a sole proprietor they can make either an employee or employer contribution to the tax deadline which was extended. CPA is saying they might want to change it to 2021. Is this necessary?

As always, thank you.



I see this on the IRS site, but not sure if a sole proprietor is an exception?When must I deposit the contributions I make for myself to my SIMPLE IRA?You must deposit your salary reduction contributions within 30 days after the end of the tax year. For most people, this means salary reduction contributions for a year must be made by January 30 of the following year.You must deposit your employer contributions by the due date (including extensions) of your federal income tax return for the tax year that includes the last day of the calendar year for which you made the contributions. For most people, this means employer contributions for a year must be made by April 15 of the following year, or by October 15 if on extension. 

There is no exception for SE owners even though they do not pay themselves a salary. The IRS site could have been clearer on that. Therefore, the CPA is correct that the salary reduction contribution (aka EE contribution) deadline was 1/30. Of course, the contribution timeline for SEP owners is the due date plus extensions, but that does not apply to SIMPLE IRAs. Further, if no salary reduction contribution for 2020 is allowed, there will also be no matching contributions allowable. If client had elected the 2% non elective contribution option, they could have made those contributions after 1/30 and after 5/17 if an extension had been filed. 

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