topic If I don't have to enter info from my 5498, why am I being directed to enter data from my 5498 ("Traditional IRAs") - there are NO instructions re which box to use. in Retirement tax questions

If I don't have to enter info from my 5498, why am I being directed to enter data from my 5498 ("Traditional IRAs") - there are NO instructions re which box to use.

agrieshop — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:27:01 GMT

Re: If I don't have to enter info from my 5498, why am I being directed to enter data from my 5498 ("Traditional IRAs") - there are NO instructions re which box to use.

baldietax — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:23:01 GMT

if you're referring to the question about the value of your IRAs as of 12/31/25 this is used on Form 8606 Line 6 and you should use your year-end brokerage statements for this not 5498s which are usually not sent out until May

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8606.pdf

Line 6

Enter the total value of all your traditional IRAs as of

December 31, 2025, plus any outstanding rollovers. A

statement should be sent to you by January 31, 2026,

showing the value of each IRA on December 31, 2025.

(etc - see link)

Re: If I don't have to enter info from my 5498, why am I being directed to enter data from my 549...

BillM223 — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:31:04 GMT

There can be a good reason for this question ("why am I being directed to enter data from my 5498 ("Traditional IRAs")").

Line 17 of form 5329 states, "Enter 6% (0.06) of the smaller of line 16 or the value of your traditional IRAs on December 31, 2025 (including 2025 contributions made in 2026". Line 25 is the same for Roth IRAs.

This is one reason you may be asked for the values of your IRAs - TurboTax is calculating a penalty for probably excess IRA contributions.

Re: If I don't have to enter info from my 5498, why am I being directed to enter data from my 549...

agrieshop — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:41:35 GMT

My actual point was: why would TurboTax, tell me to fill out a form without giving me any instructions on how to fill out the form? Nothing on the 5498 form matched up with the TurboTax field contents. That is simply poor design, at the very least. My guess is that there wasno user testing, whatsoever.

In fact, I did not need that form, at all. It was a TurboTax loop problem, not mine. I ran into three different loops, which is ridiculous. This happened last year, as well, and I ended up speaking with one of the high muckety-muck specialist who said he had no idea why it was happening, although he could see it.

But it’s done now. And I have already signed up to be a VITA volunteer next year, so I may run into other people who are sick to death of TurboTax. I have used it for decades, and have generally been very happy. But not anymore.