Fiscal Strategy

2024 Is Over, But These Retirement Savings and Tax Opportunities Are Still Available Until Tax Day

By Noah Weidner
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2024 is now over the horizon — meaning your 401(k) contributions, FSA dollars, and tax-loss harvesting for the year are locked in. But for the terminally lazy (or maybe forgetful), there’s hope yet, as your financial fate isn’t sealed until you file, and the clock is ticking toward this year’s deadline, Apr. 15 — 99 days from today. Between now and then, there are still ways to make the most of your 2024 situation.

Making up for last year’s missed resolutions: Some things are set in stone, but the IRS offers a little leniency for cash-conscious Americans. Until the deadline, many people still have ways to reduce their tax bill — or maximize last-minute tax savings through post-tax, Roth-flavored contributions.

  • Eligible taxpayers can max out an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) — with at least $7K worth of retirement savings available for the 2024-2025 tax year, or up to $8K for those over 50.
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can also be maxed out for 2024 through the tax filing deadline — individuals can contribute $4.1K, while families can save up to $8.3K.

Bonus Points

Some taxpayers might be able to unlock even more savings to kick off 2025, particularly those with a side hustle — which could include part-time projects, Uber or DoorDash driving, or other business ventures.

  • Independent of IRA contributions, self-employed Americans could be eligible to contribute up to 20% of their self-employment income to an SEP IRA until the tax deadline.
  • Married taxpayers filing jointly can also take advantage of spousal IRAs for their nonworking spouses, a possible way to reduce or maximize their tax bill even further.

Getting your money in order: Starting 2025 on the right financial foot might mean taking advantage of remaining 2024 opportunities — including fully using once-per-year allotments for retirement and healthcare savings. But if these savings aren’t enough, self-employed individuals or employees at major employers might check out the Mega 401(k) in 2025 — which offers up to $69K in savings for high earners.