How do I indicate that a qualified HSA funding distribution is for the prior year? Where can I check that it is being treated correctly?

[jhbrown]

In March 2018 I did a QHFD to fund my HSA for 2017.  I got a 1099-R this year.  I tell the program that the 1099-R was a QHFD, but it appears to think it was for 2018.  In December 2018 I made a regular (deductible) HSA funding for 2018.  But the program never asks me about the regular contribution, so where can I enter it?  And make sure the program doesn't think I was contributing too much for 2018?  I have TT Mac Premier, so I can go into forms mode if needed.

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

The tax code does not permit you to make an HFD to fund a previous year's HSA contribution.  The HFD that you made in March 2018 must be treated as a 2018 HSA contribution.

The contribution that you made in December is an excess contribution to the extent the sum of the March 2018 HFD plus the December contribution exceeds the limit for 2018.

If you somehow treated the March 2018 HFD as a 2017 HSA contribution on your 2017 tax return you'll need to amend your 2017 tax return.

[dmertz]

Since the April 15 filing deadline is so close, I suggest requesting a filing extension for your 2018 tax return to simplify the process of obtaining a return of excess contribution before the due date of your tax return.

[jhbrown]

Thanks.  I was dismayed by your answer, but it was accurate.