TT did not use $5300 (older than 55) on Form 8889, Line 3 Worksheet. I qualify to deduct $3975 for Jan-Sep 2025, but $4300 is applied when it should be $5300. Fix?

[pkliphon]

I cannot change the $4300 to $5300 on the worksheet. This is an error and penalizes me with a $750 over-contribution. HSA contributions made only for the 9 months covered by a qualified plan. IRS instructions confirm, I can use $5300 on the worksheet. TT needs to fix the software.

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

The purpose of the Line 3 Smart Worksheet is to calculate the maximum contribution without regard to any catch-up contribution.  TurboTax separately calculates the catch-up for those age 55 by the end of the tax year and on line 3 adds that to the result calculated on the Line 3 Smart Worksheet.  In your case, if the birthdate that you entered for yourself into 2025 TurboTax was before January 1, 1971, the amount on line 3 of Form 8889 will be $3,975 when you indicated that you had self-only coverage for January through September..

[pkliphon]

Agree that is how it should work, but it does not.  I checked to ensure my DOB was correctly stated. However, TT is treating the $3975 as an over contribution, and I cannot correct it in the tax form. I think it’s a software issue. Thanks for your response. 

[dmertz]

If you are married filing jointly and your spouse was under age 55, make sure that you are entering the HSA contribution for the correct spouse.

[pkliphon]

Both over 55, and HSA contribution is under correct spouse. Without paying for the tax advisor, it is not easy to escalate the software issue. The support section is FAQ centric, and I have not been able to find information to fixing this error. If anyone can advise how to escalate this to the support team, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. 

[dmertz]

I doubt that there is any problem with TurboTax.  It works fine for me for various combinations of contributions and HDHP coverage.

I think you are indicating that line B of the Line 3 Smart worksheet shows $3,225 but line 3 shows $3,225 instead of $3,975.  Just to be sure, check that your age as of 1-1-2026 shown on your Personal Information Worksheet is at least 55.