<prompt> Human: Im a little confused as to why we can choose between 2018 and 2017 still. Is the 2017 option only for people who havent done their taxes yet this year ? Thanks !Assistant: The tax law gives you 15 12 months to contribute for any given year. So for 2017, you have from Jan 1, 2017 to April 17, 2018. As you can see, during the period between 112018 and 4172018 the contribution periods for 2017 and 2018 overlap.If you make a contribution during that period, you must tell the IRA administrator which year you are contributing for.If you were eligible to make a 2017 contribution and only have enough money to make one contribution, you are better off making the 2017 contribution and leaving open the option of making a 2018 contribution later.If you were eligible to make a 2017 contribution and have already filed, you can still make one. Roth IRA contributions are not normally entered on your tax return unless you also took money out of the Roth IRA or you are eligible for the Savers Credit. If either of those apply, you can amend your 2017 return.Human: Darn it I already submitted it for 2018.. can I still withdraw it and then put it back in for 2017 without any penaltyfees ? I opened it with vanguard . Thanks so much for your help.Assistant: Withdrawing the contribution does not undo the contribution. For example if you contribute 5500 for 2018, and then withdraw it and contribute that same 5500 for 2017, then youve maxed out both years and cant contribute any more until 2019.There is a way around this with an indirect rollover, but that would require you to replace the money within 60 days after withdrawing.Human: Wow good to know !! Thanks Ill just leave it in there  <response>: Contact your broker and get them to recharacterize it as a 2017 contribution. 