8915-F Coronavirus Disaster Code

[molliejeanners]

I'm trying to file my federal taxes, as I've been waiting for form 8915-F to be available to e-file through Turbotax.  Now it's sending me into a loop asking me for a FEMA disaster code. However, on the IRS site, it's stating that I need to just click a box for the Coronavirus, but since the distribution was done in 2020 under the CARES Act there is no disaster code or name.  I called and talked to someone, who did nothing but send me the IRS instructions. I'd really like to actually file since I've been waiting on this form for over a month now. 

[FangxiaL]

There should be no FEMA code.

[molliejeanners]

@FangxiaL I’ve checked that box, and it’s still stating I need a name and code to e-file.

[FangxiaL]

I don't see anywhere it is asking me for the FEMA code. 

Try to follow these steps:

1. Click on Wrap up income at the bottom of the Income & Expenses section
2. Proceed to the screen shown below and then return to IRA, 401(k), Pension Plan Withdrawals (1099-R).

[maortiz]

I'm having the same issue, it keeps asking me for a fema code after it does the scan to make sure my return doesn't have any errors 

[JulieS]

You can enter the word "None" in this field and you will clear the error. 

@molliejeanners @maortiz

[Moana1]

I am having the same issue. The coronavirus related distributions box is already checked. I am being asked for a disaster name and number at the Federal Review step when checking for errors. Why are we being told to enter the word “none” when this section was left blank on my previous year’s tax return? This seems like an error that needs to be corrected especially since we’ve waited so long for this form. 

[JamesG1]

Appendix B Qualified Disaster Areas by Year from Instructions for Form 8915-F states:

Virus SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus disease 2019 (referred to collectively in these instructions as coronavirus)

Are you able to enter 'Coronavirus' or 'Virus SARS-CoV-2' and pass Federal Review?

@Moana1

[Dee4817]

@JamesG1   Thank you!  That's what I did to clear the error message and proceed.  However, it specifically says on the form "Don't list the coronavirus in item C".  Hopefully it will be okay.

[Dee4817]

@JulieS   Thank you!  I entered Covid Distribution instead of a FEMA number (even though the form specifically says do not list the coronavirus in Item C.    It was the only way to clear the error message and move on.    Hope this will be okay.

[CKO1969]

Which amount do I enter from my 1099-R? Do I enter 1/3 of the amount in Box 1 of 1099-R, or the total amount? I would be helpful to have prompts for 8915-F.

[JamesG1]

Are you entering IRS Form 1099-R information or Qualified 2020 Disaster Distribution information at the screen Did you take a 2020 Qualified Disaster Distribution?

IRS Form 8915 information is entered at the screen Did you take a 2020 Qualified Disaster Distribution?  I was able to report Qualified 2020 Disaster Distributions from Part II and Part III from the 2020 8915-E by following these steps.

• Go to Federal / Wages & Income / Retirement Plans and Social Security / IRA, 401(k), Pension Plan Withdrawals (1099-R).
• Click Start / Revisit to the right.
• At the screen Did you receive any 1099-R forms? select No.
• At the screen Have you ever taken a disaster distribution before 2021?, Click Yes.
• At the screen Did you take a 2020 Qualified Disaster Distribution?, enter 8915-E information.

I also reported that:

• I did not repay any 2020 Qualified Disaster Distribution in 2021.
• I did not report a disaster distribution in 2017, 2018 or 2019.

You may view the distributions on the 2021 Federal 1040 tax return at Tax Tools / Tools / View Tax Summary / Preview my 1040.  You may view Form 8915-F at Tax Tools / Print Center / Print, save or preview this year's return / Include government and TurboTax worksheets.

Form 8915-F Part II distributions may be found on line 5b of the 2021 Federal 1040 tax return.  The distribution is not reflected in box 5a.  See entries for Part II of Form 8915-F on lines 12, 13 and 15.

Form 8915-F Part III distributions may be found on line 4b of the 2021 Federal 1040 tax return.  The distribution is not reflected in box 4a.  See entries for Part III of Form 8915-F on lines 23, 24 and 26.

[jgirkin11]

hoping you can help me here. 

My input on the the "Total Qualified Disaster Distribution Reported in 2020" screen was $10,000 on the "2020 Form 8915E, Line 17" line.  Why did this amount not transfer to my 2021 Return Form 8915F line 23?

[DianeW777]

The IRS used Form 8915-E in 2020 and created the new Form 8915-F or 2021.  It was very late being released (March 24th) which was causing delays for taxpayers who needed the form to complete their tax returns.  You can use your 2020 Form 8915-E, then follow the steps provide by our Tax Expert @JamesG1, to complete your form. 

@jgirkin11

[kelbee]

My prompts are not matching up with what the expert recommended.  He said to say "no" when it asked if I received a 1099-R this year in order to prompt the other Coronovirus-related questions. However, I did receive an unrelated 1099-R for a 401K withdrawal taken in 2021. I've entered that information but am unclear how to enter the one-third I need to enter from my 2020 withdrawal.  Also, I'm using the online program not the software if that helps.