1099-R triggered TurboTax to tell me I needed to Amend 2018 return

[ghawkesw]

I received a 1099-R from Fidelity with a 2019 date, this appears to have triggered TurboTax to tell me I need to amend my 2018 return. The 1099-R was for a recharacterized IRA contribution made for 2018 and recharacterized in 2019 (Code R in box 7). Following the TurboTax procedure I amended the 2018 return but there was no change that I could see in the documents to be sent to the IRS from the original return. My question is do I need to actually file an amended return and send a copy of the 1099-R to the IRS.

TurboTax shows the following:

It Looks Like You May Need to Amend Your 2018 Return

Here's why: Your 1099-R reports earnings on a contribution you made in 2018. This information needs to go on your 2018 return.

Note: (I did report this recharacterization on my 2018 return but did not have the 1099-R at the time of filing.)

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

This is a reminder that the recharacterization was to be reflected on your 2018 tax return.  If your 2018 tax return already reflects the recharacterization, there is no need to amend.  The amount of attributable earnings transferred with the recharacterization has no bearing on how a recharacterization (code N or code R) is reported.