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Level 2
posted Mar 13, 2021 10:16:22 PM

TurboTax S-Corp does not substract Shareholder Distribution when the Retained Earning is negative

TurboTax shows how it calculates the Retained Earning:

 

I have $2000 Shareholder Distribution but TurboTax doesn't deduct it from the Retained Earning. (I tried it with a positive retained earning, it will show the $2000 distribution if it's positive) As a result, this throws off my Balance Sheet calculation by $2000. What should I do? Any suggestion is appreciated!

0 4 731
4 Replies
Level 2
Mar 13, 2021 10:37:13 PM

Just for clarification, I am not withdrawing more than the stock basis. My stock basis is $20k so the $2k distribution is just a return of capital. 

Level 12
Mar 14, 2021 8:49:03 AM

With negative RE you've either loaned $$ to your corp or you have a cap gain because the distribution is more than your basis.

Level 2
Mar 14, 2021 11:23:52 AM

I am confused. Please help me understand. I made no loan to the S Corp. I initially invested $20k as capital contribution to the S Corp. This year (the first year) has a loss of $12k. Later in the year I took $2k distribution as return of initial capital.

 

So the regained earning is negative $12k, right?

Level 12
Mar 14, 2021 3:14:23 PM

RE is a negative $14k because you have a $12k loss plus a $2k distribution. You invested $20k so your cash needs to go down.....credit decreases assets........by $14k in order to balance,