Filing 1099-R for transfer from 401(k) to conduit IRA

[nroberts5603]

I switched jobs near the end of 2015 and received a 1099-R form regarding the distribution of my old 401(k) to a conduit IRA. For purposes of filing my 1099-R, is this considered a rollover to a designated Roth 401(k) plan or is this something different?

[ChristinaS · Accepted solution]

No, you don't indicate that it was a rollover to a Roth. A rollover to a Roth is a taxable event, and the selection of rolling to a designed Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA is not going to be a common selection for most people.

• Enter your 1099-R, which may have a code "G" in Box 7
• Say No to the designed 401(k) or 403(b), as you indicated that it went to an IRA
• Say No to the Roth IRA question as well- rolling into a Roth is taxable. If you had done this, you honestly would know it due to the tax consequences.

If you don't have the code "G", just make sure you indicate that you rolled it over. In most cases, a 401k to IRA rollover would be NO to both of the questions above.

If you are unsure as to whether your new IRA is a Roth IRA, you can easily tell if you log into your IRA account online. You would see the term "Roth" displayed rather prominently.

Note: You could do a Roth 401(k) rollover into a Roth IRA. You did not specify that your 401(k) was a Roth, so I would not want to presume that it was.