Removing excess ESA contribution where values have dropped
We provided the brokerage firm with the amount of the excess contribution, $5,000. The brokerage firm calculated the amount of the excess contribution and removed it before the 6/1/2022 deadline. The amount removed included the losses since it was invested in September 2021. In summary the client contributed $5,000 in September 2021. The brokerage firm removed $4,788. The difference was the losses since September 2021. Is that correct? Should they have removed $5,000?
Many thanks as always …… Mary!
Permalink Submitted by Alan - IRA critic on Thu, 2022-05-19 21:59
No, they can only return the net amount adjusted for investment gain or loss. So there would be no taxable gains in this situation. It is similar to removing an excess IRA contribution.