TurboTax says I cannot file yet because Form 8889-T is not ready, yet I can see the current 2020 Form 8889-T posted on irs.gov Why can I not file yet?

[BillM223 · Accepted solution]

After the IRS releases a form, it takes every tax software company a certain amount of time to create an electronic copy of the form that the IRS accepts, to code the programs that support the form, and to test the results so that they are correct.

There will always be a delay in the time that the IRS releases a form to the time that a tax software company releases the form, unless the form was identical to the previous year, and the company didn't want to test it (not a good idea).

Form 8889 is scheduled to be released by TurboTax on 1/28/2021. Note that this date is an estimate, so please follow the progress of the form at Federal Forms Availability.

[mrhodes17]

Very understandable, thank you for the detailed response. 

[hqn9uyen]

I have encountered this same issue as well.

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation.  Got another big thumbs-up from me!

[jqgoode1]

Its Feb 8th.  The 8889-T form is showing "available" using your "Availability" link, yet I get the message I cannot submit my tax return because a new 8889-T is pending.  Is this a bug, or is it just taking you guys a while to get this done?

[DaraLO]

@jqgoode1 If you're using TurboTax Online, clear your browser's cache and cookies and continue with filing your return.

If you're using the Desktop version of TurboTax, please perform a manual update.  Refer to the following Help Article for instructions:  Manually Update TurboTax for Windows Software (Basic, Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business)

[jqgoode1]

ok  - so the update downloaded and I installed, and when I brought TT up it did another update and brought the update date to Feb 5th. This resolved the issue, so I assume you are aware that there is a bug in the desktop version , which i bought, that blocks updates from occurring.    Thanks for helping me resolve the issue !!!