Form 8606 2018

What is the Form 8606

The Form 8606 is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax form used to report nondeductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and distributions from Roth IRAs. This form is crucial for taxpayers who have made contributions to their IRAs that are not tax-deductible, ensuring that they do not pay taxes on these amounts again when they withdraw them. Additionally, it helps track the basis in traditional IRAs, which is essential for calculating taxable amounts upon distribution.

How to use the Form 8606

To use the Form 8606, taxpayers must fill it out if they have made nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA or if they have received distributions from a Roth IRA. The form requires detailed information about contributions, distributions, and the taxpayer's basis in the IRA. Completing this form accurately is essential to avoid double taxation on contributions. It must be filed with the taxpayer's annual income tax return, and it is advisable to keep a copy for personal records.

Steps to complete the Form 8606

Completing the Form 8606 involves several steps:

1. Gather all relevant financial documents, including records of IRA contributions and distributions.
2. Fill out Part I to report nondeductible contributions to traditional IRAs.
3. Complete Part II if you received distributions from Roth IRAs.
4. Calculate your basis in traditional IRAs in Part III, if applicable.
5. Review the form for accuracy and ensure all required fields are completed.
6. Attach the completed form to your federal tax return.

Legal use of the Form 8606

The Form 8606 is legally required for taxpayers who have made nondeductible contributions to traditional IRAs or who have taken distributions from Roth IRAs. Failing to file this form when required can lead to penalties and complications with the IRS. It is important to use the most current version of the form and to adhere to IRS guidelines to ensure compliance. Taxpayers should consult a tax professional if they have questions about their specific situation.

Filing Deadlines / Important Dates

The Form 8606 must be filed by the tax return due date, which is typically April 15 of the following year for most taxpayers. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline may be extended to the next business day. Taxpayers who file for an extension must still submit Form 8606 by the extended deadline to avoid penalties. It is advisable to keep track of any changes in tax law that may affect filing dates.

Form Submission Methods (Online / Mail / In-Person)

Taxpayers can submit the Form 8606 in several ways:

• Electronically, by filing it through IRS e-file services along with their tax return.
• By mail, sending the completed form to the appropriate IRS address based on their state of residence.
• In-person, although this method is less common for tax forms and typically involves visiting a local IRS office.