Free diagnostic

Made a rollover mistake? Most are fixable.

Missed the 60-day window. Took an indirect distribution. Got a 1099-R that looks wrong. Over-contributed by accident. Each one has a remediation path — and most don't cost you anything if you act now. Tell us what happened.

What happened?

I missed the 60-day rollover windowI took an indirect distribution (got a check made out to me) — within the last 60 daysMy 1099-R is coded as a distribution, not a rolloverI made an excess IRA contributionI did a backdoor Roth but I have an existing traditional IRAI left my job with an outstanding 401(k) loanI'm not sure what happened, but something's wrong

The 6 most common recoverable mistakes

1. Missed the 60-day window: Rev. Proc. 2016-47 self-certification covers 11 qualifying reasons. Often recoverable.
2. Took an indirect distribution (check made out to you): If within the 60-day window, you can still deposit the full gross amount and complete the rollover. After 60 days, see #1.
3. 1099-R coded as distribution (Box 7 = 1 or 7) instead of rollover (Box 7 = G): Custodian miscoding. Request a corrected 1099-R, or file Form 4852 substitute with your tax return.
4. Excess IRA contribution: 6% excise tax per year until removed. Corrective distribution before tax-filing deadline avoids the penalty entirely.
5. Backdoor Roth pro-rata trap: Existing traditional IRA balance makes a portion of your backdoor Roth taxable. Recharacterize or roll the traditional IRA into a 401(k) before next conversion.
6. 401(k) loan offset (leaving job with outstanding loan): Deposit the offset amount into an IRA before your tax-filing deadline (including extensions) to avoid the tax and 10% penalty.

This diagnostic provides educational information about IRS rules and remediation paths. It is not tax or legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a CPA or tax attorney before filing any IRS forms or correspondence.