Total Basis affecting my refund amount

[markallisonmc]

I have a cost basis for my IRA that started in the 90's because I was advised a contribution would be deductible, but after arguing with IRS it was not. So I paid taxes on $2,000 that remained in my IRA. I'm seeing now this should be recorded on Form 8606 and I have entered it in TT before however, I'm not seeing it now. When I enter the 2,000 as my Total basis as of December 31, 2018, my refund amount goes up. I don't understand why this is affecting my refund. I only want to track what I've paid taxes on so that I don't pay taxes on that amount when I withdraw. Why is my refund number changing now?

[markallisonmc]

I may be answering my own question. I think what is happening is the total basis is being taken out of a conversion amount that I'm taking from IRA to Roth. So I'm paying taxes on the conversion amount less the 2,000. Is that right?

[MaryK4]

Yes that is correct- since you already paid the tax on the $2000 you only pay on the earnings now. @markallisonmc