Backdoor Roth Conversion (traditional ira to roth ira recharacterization) - 8606 and does it need explanation attachment?

[taxfiler12341]

I converted a 2024 non-deductible traditional IRA contribution to ROTH in 2025 (~$7500, $7K basis + ~$500 gains). I got a 1099-R with code 2 for that this year. I also made a 2025 ROTH contribution for $7K. 

I entered this in turbo-tax. I see form 8606 generated like this (seems right) - 
Line 1 - blank

Line 2, 3, 5, 13, 17 - $7K
Line 8, 16 - $7.5K

Line 14 - 0
Line 18 - 500
I see line 4a in 1040 with 7.5K and 4b with 500.

However, I don't see any explanation statement explaining the conversion. I wasn't sure if that is needed.

Thanks!

[baldietax]

this looks good but make sure you answered the questions correctly to identify it as a conversion - this is not a "recharacterization" which is handled differently... there is no explanation required

here are the steps for reference

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/retirement-benefits/enter-backdoor-roth-...

[AnnetteB6 · Accepted solution]

Since you made a Traditional IRA to Roth IRA conversion, then no additional explanation is needed.  

Be sure that you have entered the Roth IRA contribution that you made for 2025 into your return as well.  You need to make sure that you are eligible to make that contribution based on the income limits.  TurboTax will give you messaging on the screen if you are not eligible and tell you what you can do to correct it.

This is important because most people choose to do the backdoor method to get money in a Roth IRA because their income does not allow a direct contribution to a Roth IRA.  Money going to a Roth IRA through conversion from a Traditional IRA does not count as a Roth contribution.  

@taxfiler12341