Can I e-file my 2018 federal and State with out knowing if my Roth re characterization will be complete by April 15 2019? Or should I file for an extension?

[tjswnaka]

I requested to remove $2400 (excess Roth contribution form my brokerage account).  I'm not sure if they'll be able to complete the transaction by today, April 15th.  Should I,  A) File for an extension of my federal 2018 tax return or B) Should I just e-file my Federal 2018 Tax return along with my State return by today, April 15th?  Will I be penalized if I do option B if my brokerage account doesn't complete the transaction by April 15th? 

[anne_nguyen · Accepted solution]

I would recommend that you do file an extension.  If they do not withdraw or recharacterize the excess Roth contribution on time, your tax return will be different than if they do withdraw it on time.  If you don't file the correct way for either situation, you will need to amend your return.

[tjswnaka]

If I file an extension, will I have to include the penalty for not recharacterizing by April 15th?  I currently owe the Federal $2262 without the penalty.  If I include the penalty, I owe $2406.  When I file for an extension, I have to mail a check in the amount that I owe the Federal.  Should I paid the $2406 (with penalty) or $2262 (no penalty)?

[anne_nguyen]

It's difficult to say.  If you send the smaller amount, it's possible that you will get a bill from the IRS for interest in the difference but that depends on several factors including your total tax liability for this year and last year.  To be safe you could pay the larger amount and then when you do file your return eventually, you could possibly get a refund if the penalty was not applicable.