uestion from Turbo regarding Roth IRA's- What were your Roth IRA contributions prior to 2025? Am I suppose to go back thru the years to get that number?

[MaryK4]

Yes you will need to enter the ROTH contributions prior to 2025.

[oregonos]

Since inception - could be about 17 years - never had this question before

[ThomasM125]

That question is likely being asked to determine the basis in the IRA account, which be can needed when distributions are taken to determine the amount of the distribution subject to taxation. A distribution from a ROTH IRA would not normally be taxable, but it could be if it was made before age 59 1/2 or when the distribution was made before the five year required holding period. 

[wickedude]

I am confused about this as well. I dont understand if its asking for total contributions for all years prior to 2025 or if its asking for the basis where the withdrawals are subtracted from the contributions.  Its not exactly clear what it wants. Can anyone clarify?

[MindyB]

It is asking for your cumulative Roth IRA basis, which is the total of all regular contributions you have ever made to all your Roth IRAs minus any previous withdrawals of those contributions.

[user17717838156]

ok thank you for the clarification. I took slightly too much before 2025 so this number for me would be negative.  Would I enter a negative number here then or just zero?

[RogerD1]

If I understand that what you are saying is that you have completely withdrawn all of the contributions to your Roth IRA (and are now left with conversions and earnings only), then you would enter a zero here.

[wickedude]

ok thank you that makes sense. Back in the positive with 2025 contributions but took $1000 too much in 2024 and prior. I will file with it at zero. Thanks!