My 2025 IRA distribution was shy by $452 because charity failed to cash $1000 check until 01/08/2026. Check was written and mailed on 12/16/2025. I want to request a waiver of penalty but TurboTax Explanation statement will not hold text. Text vanishes every time a try to enter it. I get a "check this entry" every time I run Smart Check. Whether I type in text or cut and paste from elsewhere, text always vanishes.
On Line A of the Waiver of Tax Smart Worksheet, the $452 shortfall is listed. However, the QuickZoom to the waiver explanation statement takes me to the statement, but the text I add vanishes from the explanation statement. Same as what happens in the "Step-by-Step."
Line 54a on Form 5329-S itself has $0 due and RC ("Reasonable Cause") and $452 to the left of that "0" but if there is no valid explanation statement attached, the IRS will not have a basis to waive the penalty.
Anyone have a workaround for this problem? Can I ignore the error message during the review, efile the return and just wait until the IRS notifies me it needs the explanation? Thanks.
