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jamesolson9618
Returning Member

Confusing Step-by-Step Instructions on Roth Conversion

I did a back-door Roth conversion in 2022, and I also contributed the max to my Roth IRA in 2022. The conversion is reported as a regular distribution on 1099-R as expected. When I import the data from the 1099-R,  the step-by-step TT instructions are not clear with regard to how to report the amount (and which amount) as the conversion. I had taxes withheld when I did the conversion, so in my view, the amount of money I received and converted was the full distribution, less the taxes withheld (the amount that was deposited into my Roth account). So if I click the "Did a combination of rolling over, converting or cashing out" box in the instructions that pop up, and then enter the amount that was deposited in my Roth, there's a mis-match with the amount reported to the IRS, and elsewhere in my return.

 

Furthermore, if the amount I paid in taxes is not considered a conversion, TT adds that amount to my AGI. In my case, that pushed me over the income limit to be able to contribute to a Roth in addition to the conversion and calculates a $400 penalty from the IRS for contributing when I wasn't allowed to. The tax law allows for Roth contributions regardless of how much a Roth conversion is, as long as your AGI does not exceed the limits.

 

I think that the instructions should be changed to be more clear:

1. First ask if any of the distributed amount is a Roth conversion (not the generic "did you do a combination of these 3 things")

2. Include any taxes withheld and reported on the 1099-R in the total amount converted

 

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4 Replies

Confusing Step-by-Step Instructions on Roth Conversion

taxes withheld causes problems with a conversion as you have seen.

the tax withheld was not converted, it went to the IRS.

@jamesolson9618 

Confusing Step-by-Step Instructions on Roth Conversion

you can convert any amount you want at any time.

it is not a contribution, so the contribution and income limits do not apply.

 

you must have entered your conversion information incorrectly.

@jamesolson9618 

Confusing Step-by-Step Instructions on Roth Conversion

"I also contributed the max to my Roth IRA in 2022"

 

I missed that.

You have to ask the custodian to return your excess contribution plus earning before April 18th.

Don't file until that's done.

 

@jamesolson9618 

jamesolson9618
Returning Member

Confusing Step-by-Step Instructions on Roth Conversion

Once I entered the entire amount (including taxes) as the conversion in the step-by-step instructions, box B6 on my Form 1099-R was filled in with the amount. Curiously though, Box B5 on that form (check this box if the entire amount was a conversion) did not get checked. I disagree that I have to pull my 2022 regular contribution back out. The conversion amount does not get added to my AGI now, so I'm still under the income limit for Roth contributions. My financial planner assures me that this is the correct way to report the conversion.

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