Guest 5313173 Posted February 25, 2003 Posted February 25, 2003 wow? looking at the boards, my question is going to sound stupid, but here it goes. just say I have a traditional ira with an amount of $2000, and went ahead and transferred the amount to a Roth IRA in May 2001. Then I went ahead and contributed $2000 in the same year, let's say I wrote a check in June 2001. Was that wrong? Does that mean I am over $2000 for the year 2001? or does the transfer not count in the calculation. I think i made a mistake. if i did, what should I do to correct the problem? Thanks.
papogi Posted February 25, 2003 Posted February 25, 2003 The conversion into the Roth IRA does not count against the annual contribution limit. You're OK.
John G Posted February 25, 2003 Posted February 25, 2003 You might have a problem.... the facts are not completely clear. If the IRA contribution was also made in 2001 and then the IRA transfered to a Roth in 2001, then you do indeed have a problem because you put in $2000+2000 into all IRAs in a year when $2000 was a max. If the IRA contribution was made prior to 2001, then the transfer would not impact your 2001 contribution as long as your meet all other eligibility requirements. The IRA limitation is defined by tax payer and reflects the combination of Roth and standard. The max is not defined by custodian or account. You only made a mistake if you doubled up in one year, and both contributions were designated for the same tax year. Your custodian statements should indicate how the funds were booked. If you made a mistake, you can work with your custodian or your tax preparer to fix the problem.
papogi Posted February 25, 2003 Posted February 25, 2003 Very true John G. I assumed that the Trad IRA existed prior to 2001. If it did, they're OK. If it didn't, they've got a problem.
Guest 5313173 Posted February 25, 2003 Posted February 25, 2003 Thanks you guys. Sorry for the unclear facts. I did have the Traditional IRA prior to 2001, so I guess I'm ok. You guys are great! Very fast and great explanation, I feel much better.
John G Posted February 26, 2003 Posted February 26, 2003 Per your additional facts - you have no problem. A Roth rollover is not the same as a contribution - sort of apples vs limestone. You will find a lot of information at this site, but you may also want to pick up a copy of IRS publication 590 which covers Roths and IRAs.
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