Backdoor Roth IRA Contribution

[jlzmann]

I have followed the instructions for entering a backdoor Roth IRA conversion, however, the directions do not exactly follow the screens for the Desktop TurboTax version.    For example, the screen that asks "Did you change your mind?" did not come up after the Contribution screen and I do not get the screen to "Choose not to Deduct IRA Contributions" at all even though I have been through every scenario.  What am I doing wrong?  Also, being retired I do not have earned income as defined, only pensions and social security income so it keeps telling me I have excess Roth Contributions and the contribution is not allowed in every scenario I run.

[AnnetteB6]

Since you are seeing messages on the screen about Roth IRA contributions being over the limit allowed, you need to review the step-by-step instructions again to be certain that you enter a Traditional IRA contribution and not a Roth IRA contribution.  

The money is first placed in a Traditional IRA and it is deemed non-deductible on your tax return through Form 8606.  This Traditional IRA is then converted to a Roth IRA.  This transaction is reported on your Form 1099-R showing the distribution from the Traditional IRA.  

Putting money into a Roth IRA in this manner is not considered to be a contribution to that Roth IRA.  

For reference, see the following TurboTax help article:

How do I enter a backdoor Roth IRA conversion?