is more than 1 form 8853 allowed for e-filing ?

[RWG1950]

my retired (MFJ) customers were each issued a form 5498-SA for 2017 gross distributions (box 1) (code 1) from their medicare advantage MSA.

these amounts were used for qualifying medical expenses.

as I understand it, these distributions are reconciled with qualifying medical expenses on form 8853, but my customers apparently each have separate MA-MSA plans & it looks like they each need to file a separate 8853.

my software will not let me build an e-file for them because there are 2 form 8853's & says the return must be mailed.

is this correct or am I doing something wrong ?

my customers have substantial refunds coming from this return & would prefer to e-file if possible.

thanks for comments

[TaxGuyBill]

The IRS e-file system can only accept one Form 8853.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-schema/tax_year_2016_accepted_forms_and_schedules_for_individual_tax_returns_and_extensions_11022016.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/tax-year-2017-modernized-efile-schemas-and-business-rules-for-individual-tax-returns-and-extensions

[kathyc2]

my retired (MFJ) customers were each issued a form 5498-SA for 2017 gross distributions (box 1) (code 1) from their medicare advantage MSA.

these amounts were used for qualifying medical expenses.

as I understand it, these distributions are reconciled with qualifying medical expenses on form 8853, but my customers apparently each have separate MA-MSA plans & it looks like they each need to file a separate 8853.

my software will not let me build an e-file for them because there are 2 form 8853's & says the return must be mailed.

is this correct or am I doing something wrong ?

my customers have substantial refunds coming from this return & would prefer to e-file if possible.

thanks for comments

5498SA shows contributions not distributions. Unlike a 8879 it appears both spouses MSA is combined on one 8853.

[RWG1950]

5498SA shows contributions not distributions. Unlike a 8879 it appears both spouses MSA is combined on one 8853.

I had identified the document incorrectly. I should have referred to these as 1099-SA's. The 5498-SA's are the bottom 1/2 of the document - but they aren't causing the problem. It is the distribution amount shown on each 1099-SA.