When will the next update to TurboTax be released that includes early distributions from an IRA due to qualified disaster (including COVID-19)?

[VolvoGirl]

Are you having a problem?  It should handle that now.  

[rcbickett]

Yes, when entering the 1099-R on the "Tell us if any of these uncommon situations apply" screen, the first listed is "I took this money because of a qualified disaster (includes COVID-19)" and then the bottom of the window displays "You'll need to revisit this are.  The IRS instructions related to disaster distributions weren't ready in time for us to include them in this release.  Please revisit this area later."

It would be helpful to know when to expect the next release.

[Opus 17]

We don't know.  The IRS has not issued the final form 8915-E yet, and it will probably take 1-2 weeks after the IRS releases the paper form for it to be programmed, reviewed and applied to Turbotax. 

[Ksynhorst]

is there any update on this yet?

[CatinaT1]

You will report this on a Form 8915-E.  The IRS has not yet finalized the Form 8915-E for retirement plan distributions under the CARES act.  So this form cannot be included in the TurboTax program.  You will not be able to proceed until the form is available.

The IRS has not communicated when the form will be finalized for inclusion on the 2020 federal tax return.

We estimate it will be sometime in February 2021 before the form is available.  You can watch this link for the form availability.  Currently, the form is not listed here since there is no estimated date.  Once there is, you will find the form listed with the date available.  

IRS forms availability table for TurboTax individual (personal) tax products

Additionally, the IRS will not start processing returns until February 12, so waiting for this form is not slowing down the processing of your return.

[rcbickett]

The forms availability table shows the dates for the other 8915- forms (A, B, C, D) as "02/18/2021" for the Printed column and "Unsupported" in the E-file column.  Does that mean that we will not be able to E-File a return with one of those forms?

[LinaJ2020]

That is correct. You cannot e-file your tax return.  

As of today, the IRS has not yet finalized the series of Form 8915 for retirement plan distributions under the CARES act, these forms cannot be incorporated in the TurboTax program. At this point, the IRS has not corresponded with us when the forms will be finalized and available.  We estimate it will be sometime in February 2021 before the forms are ready to use. 

As IRS will not start to process any returns until February 12, 2021, you can choose to file without these forms and come back to amend later.  Beginning with the 2019 tax year, you can e-file amended tax returns. If you used TurboTax to prepare Form 1040-X, follow the software's instructions to e-file the amendment.

To see how to amend your taxes, click here: 

Steps to amend in TurboTax

How to file amendment

[Opus 17]

I don’t know what form 8915 -A,  B, C, or D are for. I think those are for various unusual situations that can’t be e-filed. For the coronavirus distribution, you are looking for form 8915-E. This has not been released yet and the IRS is giving absolutely no advance information that we can use. We hope it will be e-fileable but we don’t actually know that until the form is officially approved and the IRS updates it’s rules for e-filing.  

[ihitf13bro]

The 8915-E form is available but this area of TurboTax does not seem to reflect it which is preventing me from moving forward with my tax preparations. Here is the 8915-e form (there is a link to it on this page): About Form 8915-E, Qualified 2020 Disaster Retirement Plan Distributions and Repayments (Use for Cor...

Do you know when TurboTax will receive the update for this form?

[SweetieJean]

TT is waiting for the IRS to approve TT's version (programming) of the form.

[ihitf13bro]

I hope the IRS doesn't take too long on that, this will affect tons of people I imagine. I suspect that everyone who took a cares act distribution is in a holding pattern and cannot submit taxes. 

[JamesG1]

When you claim a qualified COVID-19 disaster during the interview for your 1099-R, TurboTax states:  

• You will need to revisit this area.  The IRS instructions related to disaster distributions were not ready in time for us to include them in this release.  Please revisit this area later.  

This TurboTax Help allows you to sign up for notifications for when the IRS form 8915-E is operational.

Forms availability can be found here.

[ihitf13bro]

Thanks for that. I just signed up. At least this helps me from having to check back every few days. 

[Plumbers Mate]

Turbo Tax: Expected ready 2-24-2021

IRS Says, as of 12-Feb-2021:

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8915-e

Use Form 8915-E if you were adversely affected by a qualified 2020 disaster or impacted by the coronavirus and you received a distribution that qualifies for favorable tax treatment.

Current Revision

Form 8915-E  PDF

Instructions for form 8915-E PDF

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Recent Developments

Alternative Filing Method for E-filed Returns That Include Form 8915-E -- 08-Feb-2021

Other Items You May Find Useful

All Form 8915-E Revisions

Other Current Products

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 12-Feb-2021