If someone forgets to open an IRA account for the past few years, is it possible to make up the contributions in one year? Or at least make up for one year?

thanks

It depends. If you want to fund an IRA for the past previous year (2001) you have until April 15 2002 to do so. Once April 15,2002 is past, you have lost the opportunity.

You cannot go beyond this period.