topic If Form 8889-T, TurboTax is stating I need to check the HDHP coverage check box (Line 1). I never had coverage at any point with an HDHP. Do I leave this box blank? in Deductions & credits

If Form 8889-T, TurboTax is stating I need to check the HDHP coverage check box (Line 1). I never had coverage at any point with an HDHP. Do I leave this box blank?

justin-garza — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:59:13 GMT

My HR department didn't realize I was not enrolled in an HDHP and allowed contributions each month. I am withdrawing my full amount to avoid excess taxation, but need to know how to fill out Line 1 (and 3 if necessary). TurboTax will not let me file with Line 1 unchecked.

Re: If Form 8889-T, TurboTax is stating I need to check the HDHP coverage check box (Line 1). I n...

BillM223 — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 04:23:07 GMT

TurboTax has a design difficulty in the Review, in that it assumes that any taxpayer with a form 8889 must have HDHP coverage, which is why you are being asked to fill in this field on Line 1 for Self-only or Family.

The design does not anticipate your situation in which you have a form 8889 because of your HSA distributions but never had any HDHP coverage.

The workaround in this case is to just check Self on line 1 of the 8889 so that you can clear the Review. You have already indicated that you had no HDHP coverage on Line 3 on the 8889, so all the numbers on the form will be correct - you are just doing this to bypass the Review.

You might make a note of what you did and why, not because the IRS will inquire, but because you may wonder next year why you did this...

Re: If Form 8889-T, TurboTax is stating I need to check the HDHP coverage check box (Line 1). I never had coverage at any point with an HDHP. Do I leave this box blank?

justin-garza — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 04:35:25 GMT

Thank you so much! It allowed me through and I was able to file.