Roth IRA Withdrawls

SBJKISS · ‎February 25, 2026

I took a withdrawal against a Roth account. I am being asked for the amount I contributed to ensure the amount I withdrew was not eating into any accumulation. This account has been active many years and has changed fiduciary at least twice. I cannot confirm the separation of deposits vs growth. Should there not be a way to find this out? I am "only" 53 so I do not hit the 59-1/2 cap.

Opus 17

Here's the problem: If you are audited (most people are never audited), it is up to you to prove your prior contributions, and that you are only withdrawing your prior contribution basis. You can make a reasonable guess on your return, so that Turbotax won't tax you now, but if audited, the IRS wants more than guesses.

Contributions are reported to the IRS on form 5498. You should be able to get transcripts of the last 7 years of form 5498 from your account online.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Going back farther, if you did not save copies of your form 5498 and did not save quarterly or annual statements, you can try contacting the prior brokers. Or see how far back your checking account records go that you can document deposits and transfers. You will have to do the best you can.

View solution in original post

Opus 17

Here's the problem: If you are audited (most people are never audited), it is up to you to prove your prior contributions, and that you are only withdrawing your prior contribution basis. You can make a reasonable guess on your return, so that Turbotax won't tax you now, but if audited, the IRS wants more than guesses.

Contributions are reported to the IRS on form 5498. You should be able to get transcripts of the last 7 years of form 5498 from your account online.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Going back farther, if you did not save copies of your form 5498 and did not save quarterly or annual statements, you can try contacting the prior brokers. Or see how far back your checking account records go that you can document deposits and transfers. You will have to do the best you can.