Skip to main content
Level 2
January 22, 2020
Solved

excess sep ira contribution for a self employed person

  • January 22, 2020
  • 5 replies
  • 27 views

Client made an excess SEP contribution for 2018.  He is self employed.  Can he withdraw the excess amount without tax or penalty consequences?

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Best answer by abctax55

The 2018 excess contributions need to be removed immediately, and they are subject to the penalty.

The 2019 excess contributions are not subject to penalty IF removed right now, before 4/15/20.

If any of the 2019 contributions were actually FOR 2018 (such as the Jan one for examply..) you might be able to manipulate one month's contribution into *not* being in excess.  Would be a bit of work, for likely not much gain, depending on the amounts.

 

5 replies

sjrcpa
Level 15
January 22, 2020

It was supposed to be withdrawn by the due date of the tax return to avoid penalties.

Was any of it paid in 2019? If yes, the "excess" could be designated as a payment for his 2019 SEP contribution.

The more I know the more I don’t know.
Level 2
January 22, 2020

He paid it in monthly during 2018, not waiting to calculate it when doing the return.

George4Tacks
Level 15
January 22, 2020

It sounds like Form 5329 needs to be filed for 2018. https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5329

Answers are easy. Questions are hard!