Generally, you can recharacterize (correct) an IRA contribution or Roth IRA conversion by making a trustee-to-trustee transfer from one IRA to another type of IRA. Any recharacterized conversion will be treated as though the conversion had not occurred. Any recharacterized contribution will be treated as having been originally contributed to the second IRA, not the first IRA. The amount transferred must include related earnings or be reduced by any loss. In most cases, the related earnings that you must transfer are figured by your IRA trustee or custodian.
Trustee-to-trustee transfers are made directly between financial institutions or within the same financial institution. You generally must make the transfer by the due date of your return (including extensions) and reflect it on your return. However, if you timely filed your return without making the transfer, you can make the transfer within 6 months of the due date of your return, excluding extensions. If necessary, file an amended return reflecting the transfer.
A statement must be attached to your return explaining the recharacterization. This is can be entered in the TaxAct® program and the return will still be eligible for electronic filing.
Pages 3 and 4 of the IRS Instructions for Form 8606 provide the most definitive guidance for reporting recharacterizations.