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New Member
posted Jan 23, 2024 10:00:23 AM

Getting msg saying "we are updating how sep and simple plan contributions are reported on the tax return based on new guidance from the irs check back later" help plz?

Turbo tax won't let me file until this is fixed

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Jan 25, 2024 8:12:58 AM

TurboTax programmers are currently implementing some recent IRS changes for reporting SEP and SIMPLE plan contributions. While there isn't an estimated date when the changes will be done, you can test this by editing your W-2 every 5-7 days to check on the status. 

  

On January 8, 2024, the IRS released a notice describing many changes required to implement the Secure Act 2.0. If you try to enter Code S for Box 12 of your W-2, you may see this message: "We're updating how SEP and simple plan contributions are reported on the tax return based on new guidance from the IRS." 

  

Section 601 of the Secure Act 2.0 refers specifically to Simple and SEP Roth IRAs. Code S in box 12 defines how to handle a SIMPLE plan. 

 

These last-minute IRS (and law) changes often cause implementation delays for TurboTax and other tax processors.  

 

Please be patient while TurboTax works to understand all the ramifications of this IRS Notice then code and test the changes. Note that the IRS is not open for e-filing until January 29th. 

24 Replies
Level 1
Jan 23, 2024 10:10:51 AM

I'm having the same issue currently. Does anyone have a solution?

Level 15
Jan 23, 2024 10:25:16 AM

A TurboTax employee posted this:

 

. On January 8, 2024 (i.e., just two weeks ago) the IRS released a notice describing many changes required to implement the Secure Act 2.0 - I believe that this is what "We're updating how SEP and simple plan contributions are reported on the tax return based on new guidance from the IRS." is referring to.

 

Indeed, Section 601 of the Secure Act 2.0 refers specifically to Simple and SEP Roth IRAs. Code S in box 12 refers to how to handle a SIMPLE plan.

 

These last minute IRS (and law) changes inescapably cause delays on the part of TurboTax and other tax processors. 

 

It will take time for TurboTax to understand all the ramifications of this IRS Notice and then code and test the changes. The IRS is not open for filing until January 29th so you have some time to wait.

New Member
Jan 23, 2024 12:02:49 PM

Yep, got this same issue. Just spent a few hours finishing up my returns. pretty frustrating running into this issue as I'm filing. Any help would be appreciated.

Level 1
Jan 23, 2024 11:33:21 PM

I'm having the same issue , any update?

New Member
Jan 24, 2024 7:20:19 AM

I actually just spoke to one of the "tax experts" about this. They are currently anticipating everything being ready on their end the first week in February for those with SEP or Simply Roth IRA's. I believe another commenter already disclosed the reason for the notification, I just want to provide the given timeline I received. Additionally, it would be best to wait as there is current legislation in Congress that would increase CTC for 2023. So, in all, this delay could be beneficial.

Level 1
Jan 24, 2024 11:55:22 AM

I agree, it is very frustrating. 

Level 1
Jan 25, 2024 7:53:27 AM

Got the same message.  I called support and the person I talked to had no clue.  She had me reenter all my information and then told me I had to file manually.  I told her that was not going to happen and I would wait for the fix.

Expert Alumni
Jan 25, 2024 8:12:58 AM

TurboTax programmers are currently implementing some recent IRS changes for reporting SEP and SIMPLE plan contributions. While there isn't an estimated date when the changes will be done, you can test this by editing your W-2 every 5-7 days to check on the status. 

  

On January 8, 2024, the IRS released a notice describing many changes required to implement the Secure Act 2.0. If you try to enter Code S for Box 12 of your W-2, you may see this message: "We're updating how SEP and simple plan contributions are reported on the tax return based on new guidance from the IRS." 

  

Section 601 of the Secure Act 2.0 refers specifically to Simple and SEP Roth IRAs. Code S in box 12 defines how to handle a SIMPLE plan. 

 

These last-minute IRS (and law) changes often cause implementation delays for TurboTax and other tax processors.  

 

Please be patient while TurboTax works to understand all the ramifications of this IRS Notice then code and test the changes. Note that the IRS is not open for e-filing until January 29th. 

Level 1
Jan 26, 2024 10:24:50 AM

Maybe TurboTax shouldn't have taken our money and said they could file for us when they couldn't. That's deceptive, IMO.

They need to get this fixed NOW.

New Member
Jan 26, 2024 10:29:30 AM

Completely agree!!  How was this step not caught before allowing us to pay and go through the filing process??

Level 1
Jan 26, 2024 2:50:42 PM

I completely understand that last minute IRS changes require system updates.  What I don't understand is why TurboTax takes payment from the customer for filing and only then informs them there is a problem and that they can't file.      

Level 1
Jan 26, 2024 6:13:53 PM

same thing  any ideas how to file or fix?

Expert Alumni
Jan 26, 2024 6:47:27 PM

You will be able to file and will not be charged the higher Feb or March costs when you do.   You paid a lower price by paying now rather than later.   The IRS does not even start accepting tax return until next week.   You will be able to file once all the forms and tax legislation is properly updated in the system.   Check back next week.   If you pay in January, you are eligible for discounts that will not be available in Feb or March, so by paying now, you have locked in that price no matter when you hit the TRANSMIT RETURNS button.    @david tillett 

New Member
Jan 27, 2024 10:08:56 AM

I do not agree with the fact that Turbo Tax is taking the money from our bank about BEFORE notifying us about this issue. Especially when we can not file until you figure it out. It should have flagged the issue as soon as we filled out our W-2.

Level 3
Jan 27, 2024 4:25:07 PM

Any update on when this will be fixed? 

Level 15
Jan 27, 2024 4:30:07 PM

No.  If you paid the Turbo Tax fees at least you locked in the lower price.

Level 1
Jan 27, 2024 4:30:11 PM

next week they saying 

Level 3
Jan 27, 2024 5:28:08 PM

I normally have them take it from my refund! 

Level 3
Jan 27, 2024 5:30:07 PM

Hopefully Monday lol! I was looking at H&R block but I don't want to have to start everything over from scratch. :(

Level 1
Jan 27, 2024 6:08:03 PM

I am not mad at anyone. My tax refund for state went down. If there is a chance it might go up, I am fine with waiting for the IRS and their changes to take effect. Thanks for the clarification! PS: I do not share the negative comments aimed at TT. I love this program!

Level 1
Jan 28, 2024 8:50:48 AM

According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/common-errors-on-form-w-2-codes-for-retirement-plans) your employer used the wrong code for Box 12.  IRS says Simple Plans should use Code D, not Code S.

 

If you change the code in TurboTax, it will go through (print out the above page from the IRS website to keep with your tax records in case of audit).

 

Common mistakes

During Form 5500 examinations, IRS agents found

employers using incorrect codes in Box 12 of Form W-2

, for example:

  • code D for 401(k) elective deferrals incorrectly included 403(b), 457, or non-qualified amounts.
  • code E for 403(b) contributions but did not have a 403(b) plan.
  • code H to incorrectly report health benefits; code H is for elective deferrals to a 501(c)(18)(D) tax-exempt organization plan. (In fact, a recent Employee Plan Compliance Unit project found that only 6 % of employers who used this code actually contributed to a 501(c)(18) plan.)
  • code S for a SIMPLE 401(k); the correct code for a SIMPLE 401(k) is code D.

Level 3
Jan 28, 2024 8:58:07 AM

Did they just update that? 

Level 1
Jan 28, 2024 8:58:14 AM

I got the same message.  Ended up going to a different online tax preparation company to file my return with no issues.  My return has been filed with the other company.  After years of only using Turbo Tax I won't be back.  This is so frustrating that a company this large has not been able to fix the reporting issue.    

Level 3
Jan 28, 2024 9:03:23 AM

Who did you end up using? I've been using TurboTax for a while now too. :(