Throughout 2018 and early 2019, I was contributing to my Roth IRA. However, in March 2019, when I was doing my 2018 taxes, I realized I wasn't eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA because of the income limits. I recharacterized my contributions ($5,114) on April 2, 2019, just before filing my tax returns. With Turbo Tax's guidance, I submitted an explanation statement with my 2018 return listing the amount of the recharacterization, the date of the recharacterization, the amount transferred ($5,223), and the reason for the recharacterization. I treated the contributions as having been traditional IRA contributions, though I was not eligible - for reasons that escape me - to deduct them. Those contributions were listed as nondeductible IRA contributions on form 8606. Box 4a on form 1040 was left blank, though it directs you to the attached statement.
In January 2020, I received a 1099-R for the distribution from the Roth that listed $5,223 in box 1 (Gross distribution), 0.00 in box 2 (Taxable amount), and "R" in box 7 (Distribution code). When doing my 2019 taxes, Turbo Tax said I need to amend my 2018 return. I want to know if this is correct, and if so, what do I need to change? I suspect it may want me to report the earnings on the recharacterized amount, but where would I report that and how? Separately, how do I amend a 2018 return?
