Traditional IRA Contribution in 2019

[Uncle Sam]

If a client is 70 1/2 in 2019 and takes an RMD in 2019, way before the SECURE Act became law, is he also eligible to make a Traditional IRA contribution for 2019 as well? He has a W-2 that more than covers the $ 7,000 contribution, and doesn't exceed the AGI income threshold restriction.
The SECURE Act doesn't make it clear whether or not he qualifies for that.

[RWG1950]

If a person attained age 70 1/2 in 2019, they are not under age 70 1/2 at the end of the year.
Wasn't being under 70 1/2 at the end of the year one of the eligibility requirements under the old rules ?
Thought the IRA rules of the new SECURE act became effective as of 1/01/2020 & apply to tax years 2020 & forward.
But maybe I am missing something here.

[New York Enrolled Agent]

The SECURE Act doesn't make it clear whether or not he qualifies for that.

I don't know about that - §107 of the Secure Act seems pretty clear

(d) Effective date.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply to contributions made for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019.

[Uncle Sam]

Okay - so he doesn't qualify for 2019. He turns age 72 in July 2020. Then would this taxpayer qualify for a Traditional IRA in 2020, assuming all the other qualifications are met?

[New York Enrolled Agent]

Okay - so he doesn't qualify for 2019. He turns age 72 in July 2020. Then would this taxpayer qualify for a Traditional IRA in 2020, assuming all the other qualifications are met?

Absolutely - as long as he has sufficient compensation


SEC. 107. Repeal of maximum age for traditional IRA contributions.

(a) In general.—Paragraph (1) of section 219(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is repealed.