Form 2210 forced dates skew reality

[tocguy]

Two issues -

1. The forced dates employed in form 2210 do not coincide with those in Form 2210AI as can be seen in the following images. 4/15 ≠ 3/31, 6/15 ≠ 5/31, 9/15 ≠ 8/31. I shudder to think about how the math is being performed below the surface.
   Form 2210, Part II
   Form 2210AI, Part 1
2. This issue is specific to Form 2210AI as shown in the image immediately above. For those who perform Roth conversions in December the form then forces a distribution that skews reality (Line 2 multiplier factors) that force significant portions of that exclusive December income as though it occurred in January when in fact, it did not. How "should" this situation be handled to reflect reality? I hope reality isn't too much to expect here.

[baldietax]

1. the dates are meant to reflect your Q1 ES due 4/15 needs to cover your liability for Q1 thru 3/31, and so on

2. not clear what problem you are having here - the Q4 annualization is based on your full liability/payments for the year so the multiplier is just 1x.  I just went thru the AI process for a December Roth conversion matched with a Q4 ES in January, and my final penalty was $1.