Retirement tax questions

Thank you for the reply.  Few questions: 

  • As you said, I can recharacterize the 2023 contribution, but don't I have to pay taxes on the gains? I wasn't clear on that. If yes, then should I put that in this year's tax return. 
  • The 2022 contribution was made in 2023, even then I can't recharacterize? 
  • I didn't understand the distribute the excess amount being carried forward part? Does it mean I withdraw that amount from the IRA? 

Thank you!