|
Dear Tax Talk,
Can I roll a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA?
My traditional IRA contains after-tax contributions,
due to high income that disqualifies me from taking
the deduction on the 1040. This also requires
filing IRS form 8606 annually. If I can roll the
traditional IRA to the Roth, are only the growth
and earnings from the funding subject to federal
and state income tax, with the post-tax original
contribution dollars not taxed again upon conversion?
-- Peter
Dear Peter,
Individuals who are covered by an employer plan can always make IRA contributions. However, if their modified adjusted gross income, or AGI, exceeds a certain threshold, they cannot take a deduction for the IRA. Form 8606 is required to be filed annually to keep track of nondeductible IRA contributions.
When distributions are made from an IRA that includes nondeductible contributions, a portion of the distribution is considered ordinary income and the remainder a recovery of basis, which is not taxed.
An individual can convert any IRA to a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA is a savings account on an after-tax basis that grows tax-free. A Roth IRA distributed after age 59½ is tax-free to the owner.
In order to convert to a Roth IRA, an individual's modified AGI must be under $100,000. This limit applies whether or not there is an employer plan. Beginning in 2010, the $100,000 limit no longer applies.
Hence, if you could not previously deduct IRA contributions because of employer plan and AGI limitations, you may not be able to convert to a Roth until 2010 because of the $100,000 AGI limit. If you convert in 2010, you would be able to spread the tax over two years, beginning in 2011. The tax would be based on the earnings and growth, as the original contributions were not deducted.
To ensure compliance with requirements
imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S.
federal tax advice contained in this communication
(including any attachments) is not intended or
written to be used, and cannot be used, for the
purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal
Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending
to another party any transaction or matter addressed
herein. Taxpayers should seek professional advice
based on their particular circumstances.
|
