Retirement and account penalties
Form 5329 Guide
Find the Form 5329 part used for early distributions, excess contributions, missed RMDs, and other additional taxes or exceptions.
5329
Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans and Tax-Favored Accounts
Decision point
Use this guide when
- You took an early retirement-plan distribution and must report an additional tax or exception.
- You made an excess contribution to an IRA or another tax-favored account.
- You did not take a required minimum distribution or took less than required.
- A Form 1099-R distribution code does not fully report an exception you can claim.
Read the document
Key boxes, columns, and parts
| Location | Label | What it means | Next destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | Early distributions | Computes additional tax on early distributions and reports applicable exception amounts. | Keep with the form records. |
| Parts III/IV | Excess IRA contributions | Reports additional tax involving excess traditional or Roth IRA contributions. | Keep with the form records. |
| Part V | Excess Coverdell ESA contributions | Reports additional tax for excess Coverdell ESA contributions. | Keep with the form records. |
| Part VI | Excess Archer MSA contributions | Reports additional tax for excess Archer MSA contributions. | Keep with the form records. |
| Part VII | Excess HSA contributions | Reports additional tax for excess HSA contributions. | Keep with the form records. |
| Part VIII | Excess accumulations | Reports additional tax connected with a missed or insufficient RMD and any applicable waiver request. | Keep with the form records. |
| Part IX | Excess ABLE contributions | Reports additional tax involving excess ABLE account contributions. | Keep with the form records. |
Follow the amounts
From source document to tax return
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1. Identify the account and issue
Use the Form 5329 instructions to select the correct part.
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2. Reconcile source forms
Match Form 1099-R, Form 5498, account statements, and contribution records. Open the related tool →
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3. Determine any exception
Use the exception rules and code required by the current instructions; an exception is not automatic.
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4. Transfer the additional tax
Carry the Form 5329 result to the applicable Form 1040 schedule or line.
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5. Use the correct tax year
A prior-year issue generally requires the prior-year Form 5329 and instructions.
Before filing
Four checks that prevent common errors
- Use the Form 5329 version for the year in which the issue occurred.
- Keep documentation supporting an exception or reasonable-cause request.
- Check whether spouses must complete separate Forms 5329.
- Reconcile every distribution and contribution amount with information returns and account records.
Continue the workflow
Related guides and calculators
Common questions
Form 5329 FAQ
Can Form 5329 report an exception to early-distribution tax?
Yes, when the current instructions require Form 5329 to claim or report the applicable exception. Eligibility depends on the facts and the statutory exception.
Can Form 5329 be filed by itself?
The IRS instructions allow it in specified situations when the person is not otherwise required to file an income tax return. Follow the current filing instructions.
Which year of Form 5329 should I use?
Use the form for the tax year in which the additional tax or exception arose, including when correcting a prior-year issue.