How to Convert an Inherited IRA to a Roth
The first IRA accounts were available in 1974, when the IRA code was written. Roth accounts became available much later. Roth IRAs let you withdraw the contributions and investment gains tax-free at retirement. The only way to convert an inherited IRA to a Roth is if your spouse passes away and you inherit an IRA from her.
Designate yourself as the owner of the IRA inherited from your spouse. You can contact the trustee to change your name to the owner of record, or you can roll it into your own IRA.
Step 2Notify the trustee of the IRA that you want to convert the IRA to a Roth. The trustee will complete any necessary paperwork to document the conversion and ensure that all future withdrawals from the account are tax-free.
Step 3Complete Form 8606, Nondeductible IRAs, to document the conversion and calculate the taxable amount of the conversion. Complete only part 1 of the form if you are converting part of the account. For any Roth conversions, complete part 2. The amount from line 18 of the Form 8606 is the taxable amount of the Roth conversion.
Step 4File your income tax return for the year and pay the taxes on the converted amount. Carry the taxable amount from line 18 of Form 8606 over to Form 1040, line 15b, or Form 1040A, line 11b. You will add the amount into your taxable income from here, and calculate the taxes during completion of the form.
References
Tips
- Convert your inherited IRA over multiple years if you cannot pay the taxes on the conversion in one year. This lets you budget for the taxes. It also might keep you from withdrawing from the IRA to pay the taxes -- and paying a penalty on the amount withdrawn.
Warnings
- Make certain the inherited traditional IRA is considered your own before you perform the conversion.
Writer Bio
Craig Woodman began writing professionally in 2007. Woodman's articles have been published in "Professional Distributor" magazine and in various online publications. He has written extensively on automotive issues, business, personal finance and recreational vehicles. Woodman is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in finance through online education.