How do I show that a small amount from my 2018 RMD was from an underpayment error that was made in 2017?

[kiliwarrior]

My 2017 RMD was underpaid by $40 and was paid to me in 2018, the following year.

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

A tax return does not distinguish between amounts that are RMD and those that are not, nor does it distinguish between RMD amounts for different years.  Just indicate to TurboTax that the entire distribution was RMD.

Was 2017 your first RMD year?

If not, did your 017 tax return include Form 5329 Part IX requesting a waiver of the 50% excess accumulation penalty on the $40?

If not, you need to file 2017 Form 5329 Part IX requesting a waiver of the penalty on the portion of the 2017 RMD that was received late.  The instructions for doing so are on the last page of the Instructions for Form 5329:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f5329--2017.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i5329--2017.pdf

[kiliwarrior]

I appreciate the fast response.  I guess I can’t avoid a paper filing but at least it is clear.  Thanks again.