Hi Folks,

For 2002, I filed married separately. This decision was last minute, because my wife's filing needs to be done after the April 15th 2003 deadline ( she recieves income from her dad's business who files later in the fiscal year, as well as from her regular job ).

Earlier in 2002 I actually contributed to a Roth IRA ($3,000). The IRS penalised me 6% of 'excess' contribution ( i.e. 6% of $3k ) because you are not allowed to contribute if you file married, separate.

Can anyone tell me what happens to the $3k that I put into the Roth IRA in 2002? For instance, does this now carry-over to 2003? Is it even in a roth IRA anymore? The original roth IRA was with Vanguard, would I have to inform them about anyhting?

Any advice is most appreciated.

Thanks

Shash