Can Tax Return Be Amended if in first 4 yrs. have large cap. gain?

[Guest SoDarnGoodLooking]

If a conversion is made and the four years elected, if in year 2,3,or 4, a large capital gain occurs and puts me in a very high tax bracket, can I go back and file an amended return for 1998 to pay the entire tax as of that year?

[Guest RS Vatalaro]

It depends on whether the election to spread the conversion income out over four years is irrevocable, which I don't know off the top of my head.

I realize not much help, but something to at least consider.

[BPickerCPA]

The election is IRREVOCABLE.