Backdoor Roth: having both 2019 and 2020 Traditional IRA contributions in 2020

[crimson91]

I created my first Traditional IRA account and also my first Roth IRA account in 2020.

I contributed $12,000 ($6,000 for 2019, and $6000 for 2020) to the Traditional IRA account. I then converted all the $12,000 amount in the Traditional IRA account to my Roth IRA account (i.e., backdoor Roth method). All of these were done before 4/15/2020.

Do I need to amend my 2019 tax return to indicate that the 2019's $6,000 Traditional IRA contribution happened sometime between 1/1/2020 to 4/15/2020?

Update: From my research online, this should not be necessary because the 2019's contribution mentioned is non-deductible. However, I need to file Form 8606 for both 2019 and 2020. In this case, how should I file Form 8606 for 2019? Thanks!

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

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Do I need to amend my 2019 tax return to indicate that the 2019's $6,000 Traditional IRA contribution happened sometime between 1/1/2020 to 4/15/2020?

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A nondeductible traditional IRA contribution is required to be reported on Form 8606 Part I.  In this case, this will result in the contribution shown on line 1 of your 2019 and flowing to line 14.  Line 14 of your 2019 Form 8606 carries forward to line 2 of your 2020 Form 8606 to be used in calculating the $0 taxable amount of your $12,000 Roth conversion in 2020.

You'll need to file the 2019 Form 8606.  You can generally do that stand-alone since Form 8606 has a signature block.

In 2020 TurboTax you'll need to indicate that $6,000 is your basis in traditional IRA contributions made before 2020.

[Wondering1231]

I'm having the same problem.  Traditional IRA had 0  balance on 12/31/2019, a nondeductible 2019 contribution was made between Jan 1 & Apr 15 2020, and a nondeductible 2020 contribution was made in 2020; converted both together into a Roth; Traditional IRA account balance was (practically--a couple of cents difference) 0 on 12/31/2020.  Through tutorials on this site, I've figured out how to make the 2020 contribution get recognized as nondeductible, but I can't figure out how to make the 2019 contribution get recognized as nondeductible and nontaxable.  Would love help!

[dmertz]

The nondeductible traditional  IRA contribution for 2019 was reportable on line 1 of your 2019 Form 8606, falling through the calculations to line 14.  Line 14 of your 2019 Form 8606 carries forward to line 2 of your 2020 Form 8606.  To reach the page in 2020 TurboTax where you can enter or confirm this carry-forward, click the Continue button on the page that lists the 1099-Rs that you've entered.