I am over 591/2. I plan on making TIRA conversions th ROTH over the next six years. As I understand it the earnings for each conversion is taxable if taken out less than five years after the conversion. Does this mean I have to segragate each conversion so as not to mix the earnings of year one conversion with say earnings from year four conversion?

Your understanding is incorrect. You need not wait five years for each conversion.

Further, the earnings would be taxable only if the distribution is non-qualified. However, based on the ordering rules, you will never get to the earnings until you have withdrawn all regular contribution amounts, plus all conversion amounts.


See http://www.retirementdictionary.com/Ordering-rules.htm and
http://www.retirementdictionary.com/qualif...bution-roth.htm