Roth 5-year rule for conversions over 59.5

My understanding of doing a Roth converion over age 59 1/2 is that it is still subject to the five year rule regardless if a client established a Roth IRA at least 5 years ago. Meaning if you convert to a Roth after 59.5, each conversion is subject to its’ own 5-year rule.

Please confirm. Thanks.



It is the lesser of 5 years or age 59.5 for the principal of the conversion. So if converted 100k at age 62, he pad tax at age 62 conversion year. The 10% penalty on the conversion is not applicable any longer b/c the 10% would be waived anyway b/c over age 59.5.

If he never had a Roth IRA, then before you can get to the earnings portion, you must be over age 59.5 AND you must have had a roth (any roth IRA) open for at least 5 years.

So if the client had a Roth IRA established for at least 5 years, and then coverted after 59.5 to avoid the 10% penalty, he/she could withdraw the principal and earning they converted to a Roth without penalty. Correct?

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