I think you probably think too much. From tax purpose, they only cares how much you put in and how much you take out. They don't care where exactly the money are from: the original contribution or earnings. Nor do they care you earn or lose. It only matter when you withdraw them. If you lose, then you surely have nothing withdraw. If you have more than your contribution to withdraw, then people know you earn. It is that easy. P.S. if this fits your mind, think it in this way: if they care whether the money is from the earning of this year? how can they ignore your possible loss in previous year? The answer is "they care neither". Treat it as a black box.
Thanks for the details. That's what I guess too. No matter what you earn or lose, you can withdraw 5500 max without tax and penalty. Otherwise it's too complicate for them or you to keep track of your own contribution and earnings. I haven't withdrawn yet but just want to confirm about the rule. So we can play within the rule.
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【在 m*****a 的大作中提到】 : I think you probably think too much. From tax purpose, they only cares how : much you put in and how much you take out. They don't care where exactly the : money are from: the original contribution or earnings. Nor do they care you : earn or lose. It only matter when you withdraw them. If you lose, then you : surely have nothing withdraw. If you have more than your contribution to : withdraw, then people know you earn. It is that easy. : P.S. if this fits your mind, think it in this way: if they care whether the : money is from the earning of this year? how can they ignore your possible : loss in previous year? The answer is "they care neither". Treat it as a : black box.