TurboTax wouldn't let me e-file because it says I need Form 8915F but I don't

[taxuser3]

Hi there,

At first when working on my retirement account distribution, I clicked Yes I used it for a disaster event (paraphrasing) out of curiosity. And then I corrected it after. However, the software wouldn't register - and it keeps thinking that I reported distributions related to a disaster event. Even all the way through the end until before filing. And since FOrm 8915F is not yet available, it wouldn't let me file.

I've checked the tax returns PDF and there is NO disaster-related retirement distribution amount so I believe this is just a glitch in the system. Could you please help me move forward with this so I can e-file my returns? Thank you so much!

L

[MichaelG81]

You are seeing references to IRS Form 8915-F in your tax return and you want to remove the form.

In TurboTax Online, you may remove the form by:

• Down the left side of the screen, click on Tax Tools.
• Click on Tools.
• Click on Delete a form.
• Find the form listed and click Delete to the right.

However, if the form re-generates, that means that there is an entry in the software that needs to be removed or changed.

If this is the case, return back to the point in the software where the questions that populate the form are asked.

Follow these steps if you are using TurboTax Online to see if the error message will clear:

• Go to Federal on the left side of the screen
• Go to Wages & Income on the left side of the screen
• Scroll to the bottom of the section without making any changes and click Done with Income or Wrap Up Income
• Continue moving forward until you see a question about whether you took a disaster distribution in 2020 and select 'No'
• Run the Federal Review again to see if the error has cleared

If on desktop or software go to forms mode and click form 8915f and delete the form, review for errors and file. Or try the steps above in step-by-step mode in software version, review, then file.

[taxuser3]

Thank you for the response!

I've tried deleting and the form comes right back.

I've done that steps multiple times, but the result is still the same - the form is somehow still required.

Judging from the wording of the error (below), it seems like the error came from the other questions about disaster-related distributions. Notice the above says between 2018 and 2022, and the one below only says 2021/2022.

Of course, I've gone back and selected NO on the questions multiple times. Strangely enough, while all other questions have the previous answer saved, these disaster-related questions don't (see screenshot).

I've made sure to not have anything that would signal the need of the Form 8915F but TurboTax is still not letting me pass..

[DawnC]

Delete the 1099-R that originally caused the problem.    Then re-enter it being careful to answer the follow-up questions correctly.   

[taxuser3]

Thank you! Doing that now and will report back.

[DanaB27]

If the previous instructions don't help then please delete the "Qualified 2020 Disaster Retirement Distribution and Repayment Worksheet" (8915E wks) to remove Form 8915-F since you didn't take any disaster distribution in 2022 or previous years.

 In TurboTax Desktop:

1. Switch to Forms mode on the top
2. Scroll down and select "8915E wks"
3. Click "delete" and confirm the deletion
4. Switch to Step-by-Step and run the smart check again (you don't need to go back to the retirement section)

In TurboTax Online:

1. Open or continue your return in TurboTax.
2. In the left menu, select "Tax Tools" and then "Tools".
3. In the pop-up window Tool Center, select "Delete a form".
4. Select "Delete" next to "Qualified 2020 Disaster Retirement Distr" and follow the instructions (you don't need to go back to the retirement section)

@taxuser3 

[taxuser3]

This worked! Thank you so much 🙂

[sparnell]

I have the same case. I cannot e-file because it keeps on telling me that I cannot when my answer to the question disaster related is NO.  I tried deleting the 1099-R and re-entering it but got the same message that since I answered YES to the question then I cannot e-file, when in fact I answered NO.

April 18 is the deadline and I cannot e- file.

Can anyone of you please help?

SUSAN

[sparnell]

Thank you so much.  I have Turbo Tax Desktop and the step by step instruction you indicated worked.

I now e-filed my return.

[CLIM]

Hi I have a desktop version. And I followed the instructions mentioned above but turbo tax continue to warn me about form 8915F. I have even removed the 1099-R but does not help. Please advise

[pouranshir]

I did it twice and still not working! I deleted everything and input it all again but still not working!! Please Helpppppp!! Can you fix the software and send an update

[pouranshir]

What about if we are using the software. I can't delete the form. I have been working this issue for 3 days, deleted everything and started all over but the darn form 8915F still holding the filing!! Please help!!

[pouranshir]

OMG Dana! Thank you so much! I can't believe the software makers didn't know how to fix it! You saved the day! Appreciate it!

[pouranshir]

Delete the 8915 S the worksheet. Good luck!

[DanaB27]

Look for 8915E-T and or 8915E-S when you are in Form mode. You need to delete all "Qualified 2020 Disaster Retirement Distribution and Repayment Worksheet".

1. Switch to Forms mode on the top
2. Scroll down and select "8915E wks" (can be 8915E-T or 8915E-S)
3. Click "delete" and confirm the deletion
4. Switch to Step-by-Step and run the smart check again

@CLIM