How to report Re-characterized IRA contributions?

Discuss all general (i.e. non-personal) investing questions and issues, investing news, and theory.
Post Reply
Topic Author
Samosa22
Posts: 501
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:51 am

How to report Re-characterized IRA contributions?

Post by Samosa22 »

I have a question regarding how to report recharacterized IRA contributions. In September 2019 I contributed $2K to traditional IRA and $4K to Roth IRA. In March 2020, I re-characterized my 2019-traditional-IRA contributions as Roth contributions. This re-characterization was done before submitting the 2019 tax return, so on 2019 tax return my 2019 contribution was reported as $6K Roth contributions.

In January this year, my custodian issued "2020 form 1099-R": Distribution code mentioned in box 7 is “R”. Per instructions, code R means “Recharacterized IRA contribution made for 2019 and recharacterized in 2020.”

I am preparing my 2020 tax return via TurboTax to file today Oct 15 (filed for extension earlier this year). I imported 1099-R into TurboTax, it specifically asked,

"Look at the year on your Form 1099-R. Does it show 2020 or 2021?"

Since the 1099-R says "2020 Form 1099-R", I selected 2020.

TurboTax then tells me "It looks like you may need to Amend your 2019 Return. Here is why: Your 1099-R reports earnings on a contribution you made in 2019. This information needs to go on your 2019 return."

I contacted the person who prepared my 2019 tax return, he says "Those 2020 forms are related to your 2020 tax returns, I don’t believe they will have an impact on your 2019 taxes."

Could you please help me figure out whether I should file this form with 2020 tax return, or should I Amend 2019 return to file this form? Thanks so much for your help!
Diversification is protection against ignorance - WB.
Post Reply