IRA to Roth Conversion

The $100,000 modified adjusted gross income limitation and the joint return limitation are repealed for tax years beginning after 2009. Code Sec. 408A(c)(3). Thus, a taxpayer can convert an eligible retirement plan to a Roth IRA as long as the amount contributed to the Roth IRA satisfies the definition of a qualified rollover contribution.

A taxpayer has a traditional IRA with a value of $100, consisting of deductible contributions and earnings. He does not have a Roth IRA. The taxpayer converts the traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010. As a result, $100 is includable in gross income. Unless the taxpayer elects otherwise, $50 of the income is included in income in 2011 and $50 in 2012. Later in 2010, the taxpayer takes a $20 distribution, which is not a qualified distribution and all of which is attributable to amounts includable in gross income as a result of the conversion. Under the accelerated inclusion rule, $20 is included in income in 2010. The amount included in income in 2011 is the lesser of $50 (half the income resulting from the conversion) or (2) $70 (the remaining income from the conversion), or $50. The amount included in income in 2012 is the lesser of $50 (half the income resulting from the conversion) or (2) $30 (the remaining income from the conversion, or $30.