Retirement tax questions

Yes, a 2019 distribution must be reported on your 2019 tax return next year along with the 2019 RMD that you must also take.

First, if you have not taken the missed RMD, take it ASAP so you can tell the IRS in the explanation statement that it has been taken.

You will need to file a 5329 form  with your 2018 tax return and request a waiver of the penalty. (The waiver would only be denied if there is no reasonable explanation and the missed RMD was not taken at all.)

This cannot be done with TurboTax since TurboTax only supports 5329 forms for the taxpayer or spouse and an inherited IRA is a separate entity.

Download the 5329 form from the IRS website and fill it out the same as above.  Print and mail your return with the 5329 form and explanation attached as described in the 5329 instructions.  Do not enter any penalty on line 55.

The 2018 5329 must be attached to your printed and mailed 2018 tax return and cannot be e-filed.

From 5329 instructions:
Quote:
"Waiver of tax.   The IRS can waive part or all of this tax if you can show that any shortfall in the amount of distributions was due to reasonable error and you are taking reasonable steps to remedy the shortfall. If you believe you qualify for this relief, attach a statement of explanation and file Form 5329 as follows.
1. Complete lines 52 and 53 as instructed.
2. Enter “RC” and the amount you want waived in parentheses on the dotted line next to line 54. Subtract this amount from the total shortfall you figured without regard to the waiver, and enter the result on line 54.
3. Complete line 55 as instructed. You must pay any tax due that is reported on line 55.
  The IRS will review the information you provide and decide whether to grant your request for a waiver. "

Download blank 2018 5329 form here:
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5329.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5329.pdf