Q. If I were to retire Dec. 31, can the payments actually received in 2015, such as my last paycheck earned in 2014, payment for unused annual leave and buyout, if any, be used to fund a 2015 ROTH IRA?
A. Paychecks constructively received in 2015 can be used as the basis for an IRA contribution to the extent that the income is earned income for this purpose. You annual leave payout is not considered earned income for this, however, and can’t serve as the basis for IRA contributions.
