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How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

I talked to Turbo Tax through a phone call.  It's a software issue with the IRS to accept returns through e-file that have a loss and zero in box 1g on the 1099-B.  They said it might be fixed by the end of March. 

KathrynG3
Expert Alumni

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

To get the plus to appear, on a PC, I can click the box before entering anything and the + appears. Since nothing happens to get to the Description on the Mac, try entering your wash sale details in Part II, instead. 

 

Be sure to not enter a value in the box before getting to the description, if possible. I understand the system may have put a 0 there because of the amount less than $0.50 automatically. It is preferable to not use overrides unless necessary.

 

Keep in mind, it is acceptable to leave the wash sale field blank for de minimis values less than $1 since there is not a significant tax effect.

 

@j_r

j_r
Returning Member

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

Unfortunately removing the 0 in that place returns this error:

"Accrued market discount requires a value when the sale does not result in a net loss."

AND

I cannot seem to override the X check mark on this line to move it to Part II. The amount I can override. The check box I cannot, so it keeps throwing error when checking the form.

Screen Shot 2021-02-21 at 1.57.53 PM.png

 

Is it possible to ignore this error and keep moving forward?

 

@KathrynG3 

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

No, ignoring any errors that the tax software you are using gives you will result in you not being able to E-file. Given that wash sales RARELY have this type of information ever given, depending on your total taxable income thus far, I would try to enter a minimal amount for this wash sale (since you stated that the system is not accepting a zero dollar value in that field) that does not affect your tax rate (effective tax rate calculated in the system). For example, if $5 does not push you into a higher tax bracket or reduce you to a lower tax bracket, then it has no effect on the outcome and might solve the problem. I did try to come up with the same scenario that you are experiencing, but given that I do not have all information, it is not making any difference what I enter or do not enter. I do hope this resolves the hold-up.

 

Your other option is as follows:

 

If the wash sale adjustment is $0.49 or less, then it is automatically rounded to zero.  This type of rounding is allowed by the IRS.  Unfortunately, zero is not a valid value for this field -- thus the error message.

 

To resolve the issue, you can edit each individual transaction (although not from the screen in the review process) and delete the amount entered in the wash sale adjustment if it is $0.49 or less.  This will clear the error message.  

 

To do this, you will need to revisit the input section for the Form 1099-B transactions.  Use the following steps:

  • On the top row of the TurboTax online screen, click on Search (or for CD/downloaded TurboTax locate the search box in the upper right corner)
  • This opens a box where you can type in “1099-B” and click the magnifying glass (or for CD/downloaded TurboTax, click Find)
  • The search results will give you an option to “Jump to 1099-B
  • Click on the blue “Jump to 1099-B” link
  • Click Edit beside the institution name
  • Click Edit beside each transaction that contains a wash sale adjustment amount of $0.49 or less
  • Delete the wash sale adjustment amount and click Done

 

If you have too many transactions that would require editing, you can consider deleting your imported information and entering a summary of the different categories of transactions reported on your Form 1099-B (short-term covered, short-term not covered, long-term covered, long-term not covered).  This would require you to mail a copy (not the original) of your Form 1099-B from your brokerage to the IRS within three days of filing your return.  The Form 1099-B would be attached to Form 8453, which will print with your return.  

 

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

Thanks Wendy - I've been struggling with this same problem for a week. The issue remains when I enter $5 for each of the wash sale amounts unfortunately, and when I try to edit my 1099-B directly using the instructions you provided, the software says I need to upgrade from Deluxe to Premium. Do you know if this is the case? Earlier someone said Schedule D was included in the Deluxe version and I absolutely refuse to pay another $70 just because this software isn't working correctly and is preventing me from e-filing. I appreciate your help and I'm glad others are having this problem. Hopefully TurboTax can find a way to resolve this because it's insanely frustrating. 

j_r
Returning Member

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

Hi @WendyN2 

 

This did solve my issue since all my wash sales were less than 0.49 and I was able to submit successfully.

 

Thank you!

BSR2020
New Member

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

I'm having this exact same issue, and as a result Turbo Tax won't let me e-file. I don't want to print & file, among other reasons because I have a poor quality printer and am almost out of ink and paper.  

 

You state that it's OK to leave the wash sale field blank for values less than $1, but I've tried that multiple times. It keeps coming up as an error that needs review.  Very frustrating if because of a fraction of a dollar I'll have to find a way to print and mail my return during a pandemic. 

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

I was having the same problem and just got off the phone with a representative who was able to help me. You have to go back into the form and manually enter 0 to round it down.

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

Did you just call the generic customer service line? When I enter 0 into the form it won't let me submit it. I'll just have to give them a call as well. 

CatinaT1
Employee Tax Expert

How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

The error messaging you are seeing with regard to the wash sale entries is a result of automatic rounding of the number imported from your broker or typed in by you.  If the wash sale adjustment is $0.49 or less, then it is automatically rounded to zero.  This type of rounding is allowed by the IRS.  Unfortunately, zero is not a valid value for this field -- thus the error message.

 

To resolve the issue, you can edit each individual transaction and delete the amount entered in the wash sale adjustment if it is $0.49 or less.  This will clear the error message.  

 

To do this, you will need to revisit the input section for the Form 1099-B transactions.  Use the following steps:

  • On the top row of the TurboTax online screen, click on Search (or for CD/downloaded TurboTax locate the search box in the upper right corner)
  • This opens a box where you can type in “1099-B” and click the magnifying glass (or for CD/downloaded TurboTax, click Find)
  • The search results will give you an option to “Jump to 1099-B
  • Click on the blue “Jump to 1099-B” link
  • Click Edit beside the institution name
  • Click Edit beside each transaction that contains a wash sale adjustment amount of $0.49 or less
  • Delete the wash sale adjustment amount and click Done
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How can I enter a wash sale <$1.00? The 1099-B worksheet won't allow 0.03, and marks it as an error if it's blank, 0, or 1 and won't let me submit

I was able to successfully clear the error by doing the following:

 

1) go to 1099-B entry in Income

2) find the specific sale flagged as an error

3) IMPORTANT - delete the number in the Wash Sale box, leaving it blank, and then uncheck the box that shows additional fields.  Unchecking the box without first deleting the Wash Sale field does not clear the error

4) save and repeat for each sale

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