If my state fully protects IRAs, can I invest more than the allowed annual amount into my IRA to protect the surplus cash?

That can sometimes be a smart way to lawsuit-proof your extra cash – assuming your retirement plan is fully creditor protected. There are limits as to how much you can put into your retirement plan annually on a tax-deferred basis, but you can invest unlimited after-tax dollars into a lawsuit-proof retirement plan. Once you reach the permitted tax-deferred limit, you would pay the tax on your excess contributions. But these surplus funds would still be protected by your plan. You’re never too young to 'grow' your retirement account. But do be careful. ‘Accelerating’ contributions into an IRA has its limitations. Some states will not creditor protect excess funds invested in retirement accounts shortly before bankruptcy or creditor seizure.