<prompt> Human: Thanks in advance. My wife 26 and I 29 are planning on starting a Roth IRA in February 2016 maximum contribution, but wanted to be sure that this will still qualify for the 2015 tax year.Ive read that if you have an IRA, your contributions will apply to the previous tax year as long as it is made before April 15. Is that still the case when you start the IRA? Wed like to make a maximum contribution to it again by February of 2017 towards the 2016 tax year.  <response>: Ive read that if you have an IRA, your contributions will apply to the previous tax year as long as it is made before April 15. Is that still the case when you start the IRA?Yes, but you have to select the previous tax year when you make the contribution. By contributing in February 2016 you have to choose between 2015 and 2016. 