how to correctly report my combined 2019 IRA contributions?

[LP1968]

on January 10 2019, I contributed to my IRA $5,500 for 2018, and $6,000 for 2019. Both contributions were not deductible, and immediately (same day) converted to my Roth IRA. 

In my 2018 Turbotax return I reported my 2018 $5,500 IRA contribution and Roth conversion. 

However, both amounts were reported in my 2019 1099-R which shows $11,500. 

So, now when I enter in my 2019 Turbotax return (Retirement and Investments section) $11,500 contribution, Turbotax claims that I have a $5,500 excess contribution with a 6% penalty.   

obviously, if  I enter only the $6,000 contribution for 2019, then Turbotax adds the tax for the extra $5,500  appearing in my 1099-R which shows $11,500.  

please advise how to correctly report my combined 2019 IRA contributions?  

[macuser_22]

---

@LP1968 wrote:

However, both amounts were reported in my 2019 1099-R which shows $11,500. 

That would appear to be the error.  A contribution *for* 2018 contributed before the due date of your 2018 tax return  can only be reported on your 2018 tax return and if non-deductible then on a 2018 8606 form.   Nothing about a 2018 contribution is reported in 2019.

[Critter]

On the 2018 return you should have ONLY reported the non deductible 2018 contribution.  I cannot even think of a way you could have reported the conversion on the 2018 return without the corresponding 1099-R form.

Then on the 2019 return you will report the non deductible 2019 contribution and the CONVERSION of both contributions ... this will aline with the 2019  1099-R form you received and that reflects what actually happened. 

[Critter · Accepted solution]

Maybe you are not entering it correctly ... the contribution must be entered FIRST then the 1099-R ... which is backwards from the program's interview flow.

A backdoor Roth IRA allows you to get around income limits by converting a Traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. Contributing directly to a Roth IRA is restricted if your income is beyond certain limits, but there are no income limits for conversions.

Doing a backdoor Roth conversion is a two-step process.

TurboTax Online

TurboTax CD/Download

[LP1968]

Thank you!! Yes, following both of your suggestions (combined) fixed everything!!