Retirement Plan contribution deduction

[hammerinone]

I neglected to deduct my retirement plan individual contribution (CSA 1099R block 9b)  from my taxable income last year, my first year of retirement. Can I take the amount off of this years taxable income? Or must I file an amended return for last year?

[DeanM15]

You will need to file an amended return to deduct the portion of your employee contribution from your income. 

To amend your return in Turbotax Online:

1. Sign in to TurboTax.
2. Scroll down to Your tax return & documents (you may need to select Show), select 2018 and then Amend (change) return.
   • If you only see the option to amend 2017 or earlier, it's because you can't amend an unfiled 2018 return. Instead, just select Pick up where you left off, make your changes, and disregard the rest of these instructions.
3. Select Amend using TurboTax Online.
4. Carefully follow the instructions. Don't worry if your refund changes to $0. This is normal on amended returns.
5. When finished, we'll give you instructions for printing and mailing your amended return as amendments can't be e-filed.

To amend your return in TurboTax CD/Download:

1. Open the return you want to amend in your TurboTax software program.
2. Make sure your return is exactly as it was when you originally filed it.
   • If you made changes after you filed, undo them. We suggest comparing your on-screen numbers with a paper copy of your filed return.
3. Now, make an "amend" copy your return by selecting Save As (Mac: select Duplicate) from the File menu. This preserves the originally-filed return.
   •  Name the copy to distinguish it from the original, like the 2018 Amended Smith B Form 1040 Return.
4. You should now be working inside the copy you'll be amending. Inside your program, search for amend and then click the Jump to link.
5. Select Continue on the We'll help you change (amend) your return screen.
6. On the following screen, Did you already file your return? select Yes, I've already filed my return and then select I need to amend my 2018 return. Select Continue and then carefully follow the instructions to amend.
   • Don't worry if your refund meter drops to 0; this is normal. Your calculations will come out correctly in the end.
7. When finished, we'll provide instructions for mailing your amended return, as amendments cannot be e-filed.

You can find more information about amending your return here.