Does the pandemic qualify as a natural disaster?

[macuser_22]

Yes.   If you have a COVID related distribution then there is ...(will be) a new 8915-E form to use.

CARES Act retirement plan COVID-19 related distributions can be paid back over 3 years or the tax spread over 3 years.

That is reported on a new 8915-E form that is not yet available and there is no estimated release date since the form is still in the draft state at the IRS. There is no telling how long it will take the IRS to make the electronic form available. Typical it takes the IRS 2-4 weeks to release the electronic form specifications after the paper version is released. e-file providers must program from the electronic specifications.

The draft paper form is here:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/f8915e--dft.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/i8915e--dft.pdf

Also to see if you qualify for a COVID-19 related distribution see:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/coronavirus-related-relief-for-retirement-plans-and-iras-questions-and-...

[SamS1]

It will, but not yet.  The form 8915-E will deal with the Cares Act retirement distribution exclusions and has not been released by the IRS.  We do not anticipate this form being completed and released until mid-February.  After you enter your retirement plan distribution in the 1099R screen then continue, you will see a screen for "Uncommon Situations".  The first box relates to natural disasters, including Covis-19.  Once that box is active, you will be able to enter your 2020 pandemic retirement distribution information.  The IRS is not accepting or processing returns until 2/12 so still plenty of time to get your information accepted and ready to be filed before the IRS opens the floodgates on 2/12.

Here is more information on how the pandemic has affected your taxes.