quick question about IRA to ROTH conversion

No limit to how much you can convert in addition to the 6000 that you can contribute.

The five years for Roth conversions starts with Janary 1 of the first tax year for which you have either made a Roth conversion or a Roth contribution.

There is a sepearate five-year interval for conversions that no longer applies to you since you are over age 59 1/2.

No limit. I'd warn you to be very aware of your marginal rate. Remember, each year your income starts at zero, you first get a standard deduction and exemption. They some 10% income, 15% etc. A conversion all gets added to the top, so I'd suggest you figure out where you are in your current bracket and just convert enough to "top it off." If this doesn't make sense please ask for clarification. The strategy can save or cost you quite a bit depending on execution.

Joe

I would also suggest people carefully consider the possibility that Roths will be taxed in the future, or subjected to "means testing".

I do understand. I will probably have to wait for a while in order to have a better idea of what my yearly income will be. However, I thought that there was a one time offer that will allow me to spread the tax owed over a two year period. 2011 and 2012, I think. Not true?

Thank you.

True. The income from 2010 conversions from traditional to Roth IRAs are, by default, recognized half in 2011 and half in 2012. You can choose to recognize all the income from all of your 2010 conversions in 2010 instead.

True. But I believe that at some point down the road, withdrawals from Roths will not be entirely tax free. Place your bets: am I right or wrong? How old are you? How much will you have in your Roth after they become taxable? What will your income be at that time? I have no idea how to evaluate this. But, I have decided, for me, not to convert. I may very well donate my IRA to charity at some future time, anyway.

True, but keep in mind the old saw, "Be careful what you wish for." Your decision on the split is irrevocable.

It's not the tax, but the income, that's split between 2011 and 2012. That means it will be taxed at the rates in effect for those years, not the current rates.

The good news is that you can wait until October 15, 2011 to make this decision. By that time we should have a better handle on what 2012 rates will be.

Phil Marti Clarksburg, MD

We might see a section 121 exclusion for Roth accounts.

If you elect not to include the conversion income in 2010, must you split the income equally between 2011 and 2012, or can you declare it all in 2011 if you wish?

The default is to recognize the 2010 conversion distribution half in 2011 and half in 2012.

You have to elect to recognize it all in 2010.

The only way to recognize a 2010 conversion all in 2011 is to die in 2011, not a recommended tax measure.

There's no way to recognize that conversion 30/70 or any other than a 50/50 ratio.

The choice is (a) 100% claimed on 2010 return or (b) 50% on '11 return & 50% on '12 return