Skip to main content
Level 2
February 15, 2026
Question

Question on calculating Roth IRA contributions

  • February 15, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 64 views

I have a question on Roth IRA contributions.  I'd thought it was simply the total of the regular contributions, but I've seen some hints that it should be the contributions minus the distributions.  

This years distribution exceeds the accumulated contributions,  and I have to pay a penalty, but Turbotax doesn't seem to be calculating it.  

The Learn More box discusses conversions, but not how to calculate the total contributions.  

2 replies

Level 15
February 16, 2026

If you are under age 59 1/2 and have take more in distributions than you have contributed to your Roth IRA(s) then enter zero for your Roth IRA contributions prior to 2025.  

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
mduchekAuthor
Level 2
February 16, 2026

So it is contributions minus distributions.  I wish they were more clear about that, but thinking about it I think I had the same issue a few years ago.

Thank you for the help.