Roth or Traditional IRA contribution with uncertain income

[vickx038]

I've been waiting to make my full IRA contribution for 2017 while I try to figure out my taxable income for the year, and need some help. I currently make $125k, file single and max 401k. I contribute to a Roth IRA most years but may be heading back to grad school in June, which would cut my income to around 60k. I'm thinking I could then contribute to a traditional IRA and get the full deduction but there may be a way I can recharacterize later to make it a moot point. Any strategies/advice to deal with the uncertainty? The MMM forum always seems to straighten me out when I spend hours researching tax policies and end up with nothing more than a headache. :)

[DavidAnnArbor]

It's not a big deal to put money in the tIRA, and then recharacterize later to a Roth if you have to.

[nereo]

It's not a big deal to put money in the tIRA, and then recharacterize later to a Roth if you have to.

+1.
Fund your tIRA, then recharacterize later if that is more optimal.

[MDM]

...and see IRA recharacterization - Bogleheads for some nuts and bolts details.