I made a contribution to a non-deductible IRA for 1999. I wish to change this contribution to a Roth IRA.

I do not currently have a Roth IRA account established. Note: my income for 1998 was above the $160K (married filing jointly) income threshold for Roth-IRA contributions/conversions. Consequently, I was not able to participate in the Roth-IRA benefits.

Now, realizing I do not exceed income limits I believe I can simply establish a Roth IRA account since my income for 1999 will be below $160K threshold.

I shall also be contributing $2000/$2000 for both my wife and myself (in separate Roth-IRA accounts) for year 2000 with the intent of not exceeding income limits. If I do exceed limits for year 2000, can I transfer this specific contributions to my non-deductible IRA account at a later date (i.e before April 15th, 2001)?

<< I made a contribution to a non-deductible IRA for 1999. I wish to change this contribution to a Roth IRA.

I do not currently have a Roth IRA account established. Note: my income for 1998 was above the $160K (married filing jointly) income threshold for Roth-IRA contributions/conversions. Consequently, I was not able to participate in the Roth-IRA benefits. >>

Please note that the phaseout for Roth contributions begins at $150K for a joint return.

<< Now, realizing I do not exceed income limits I believe I can simply establish a Roth IRA account since my income for 1999 will be below $160K threshold. >>

See note above. Assuming that you can, you want to "recharacterize" the 1999 traditional contribution and its earnings to a Roth contribution. Your custodian has a form, and you'll have to do the paperwork to establish a Roth.

<< I shall also be contributing $2000/$2000 for both my wife and myself (in separate Roth-IRA accounts) for year 2000 with the intent of not exceeding income limits. If I do exceed limits for year 2000, can I transfer this specific contributions to my non-deductible IRA account at a later date (i.e before April 15th, 2001)? >>

Actually, until 10/15/2001. It's the same process you're using for 1999, except in reverse.

Phil Marti
Tax Preparer