IRA Recharacterization
1

Generally, you can recharacterize (correct) an IRA contribution by making a trustee-to-trustee transfer from one IRA to another type of IRA. 

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 (see Amending Form 8606, later). Write "Filed pursuant to section 301.9100-2" on the amended return.

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.

  1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop), click Federal. On smaller devices, click the menu icon in the upper left-hand corner, then select Federal
  2. Click Retirement Plan Income
  3. Click IRA Distribution Explanation

Additional Information

Pages 3 and 4 of the IRS Instructions for Form 8606 provide the most definitive guidance for reporting recharacterizations.