Unless there was a 5329 form with a penalty for not taking the RMD (would be on line 59 on the 1040 form), then don't worry about it. There is no Line 59!!!

[rinilini]

This was the answer I received from TurboTax and there is no Line 59 on the 1040A.  So what's up with that?

[macuser_22]

Are you saying that you missed taking the 2916 RMD from a Traditional IRA?

[macuser_22 · Accepted solution]

First, if you have not taken the missed RMD, take it ASAP so you can tell the IRS in the explanation statement that it has been taken.

You will need to file a 5329 form and request a waiver of the penalty. (The waiver would only be denied if there is no reasonable explanation and the missed RMD was not taken at all.)

Unfortunately this can only be done using the "forms" mode that is only available with the desktop software if you do not have a 1099-R to file.

If you do have a 2016 1099-R to report then the RMD question in the interview will go to the form 5329 waiver interview if you say that the 2016 RMD was not taken.

If you are using the CD/download version:

Enter the forms mode and click on open form.  Type in 5329.  Choose 5329-T for the taxpayer (first person listed on your tax return), or 5329-S (for spouse - 2nd person on tax return).

Scroll down to Part IX line 52 and enter the RMD amount that should have been taken.  On line 53 enter the amount of the RMD that was actually taken (probably zero if it was missed).

Then in the box right under line 53 "Waver of Tax Smart Worksheet" enter the same amount as line 52 (the RMD amount).   Then click the "Explanation" button and enter the reason for missing the RMD and your statement requesting a waver.

You will not pay any penalty now until the IRS determines if it will grant the waver, then they will inform you if you owe the penalty.

OR - if using the Online version and have no 2016 1099-R to file, you will have to prepare the 5329 manually .

Download the 5329 form from the IRS website and fill it out the same as above.  Print and mail your return with the 5329 form and explanation attached as described in the 5329 instructions.

The 2016 5329 must be attached to your printed and mailed 2016 tax return and cannot be e-filed.

[NOTE: You can only use this method if you are requesting a waver of the penalty and there is no taxable amount on the 5329 form line 55 that must be transferred to the 1040 form]

From 5329 instructions:
Quote:
"Waiver of tax.   The IRS can waive part or all of this tax if you can show that any shortfall in the amount of distributions was due to reasonable error and you are taking reasonable steps to remedy the shortfall. If you believe you qualify for this relief, attach a statement of explanation and file Form 5329 as follows.
1. Complete lines 52 and 53 as instructed.
2. Enter “RC” and the amount you want waived in parentheses on the dotted line next to line 54. Subtract this amount from the total shortfall you figured without regard to the waiver, and enter the result on line 54.
3. Complete line 55 as instructed. You must pay any tax due that is reported on line 55.
  The IRS will review the information you provide and decide whether to grant your request for a waiver. "

Download blank 2016 5329 form here:
Form: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5329.pdf
Instructions: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5329.pdf

[Ultra Amber]

@macuser_22 

I missed 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 RMDs as I was not informed by the custodian that this was needed.  I took in early 2020 (2016-2020) when I discovered the error. 

I'm using the online version, so I did the a manual form for  2016-2019.  

• Line 52- included amount missed, for example, $857 in 2016
• Line 53- 0
• Line 54 -0  RC (857) at the ... section
• Line 55- 0

Do I need to manually print the return with forms  and the waiver? or can I simply efile the return and mail the 5329s and waiver separately?

[macuser_22]

@Ultra Amber  You need to file a separate 5329 for the tax year for each missed RMD with an explanation.   Those 5329 forms requesting  a waiver can be mailed by themselves.

[Ultra Amber]

@macuser_22 

Thanks so much.   To be completely clear,  is it okay to efile the 2020 returns and mail the  2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 5329 forms and waiver request ? or do I need to mail everything together?

-

[macuser_22]

Yes that is fine.   I would do  it that way - mail the 5329 form for each year (be sure you use the form for that

year - you can get past 5329 forms here:

  https://apps.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/priorFormPublication.html;jsessionid=PqSzUSXNONNebspiIpcBQZcS...

I would mail then  together with your explanation statement.   It is very rare for the IRS to deny a waiver request.

Mail here:

https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

[Ultra Amber]

macuser_22

Outstanding, you answered my next question: where to mail?😀

The site does not explicitly state  5329 form. 

Since I live in California,  and I am NOT enclosing payment.     

May I use this address?

https://www.irs.gov/filing/california-where-to-file-addresses-for-taxpayers-and-tax-professionals

Use this address January 1, 2021 
through June 18, 2021:
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Fresno, CA. 93888

Thank you for existing!

[macuser_22]

Yes, the same address that is for the 1040 form.

IRA custodians will not give tax advice.   Also, you can take the years RMD from ANY IRA account or accounts if you have several with different custodians.    A custodian does not know what other accounts that you might have.