It's a very simple thing we do every year. We want to review the IRS Instructions for the 5498 Form. What could be simpler?

If you haven't done it before, here's the link to their Forms and Publications: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/formspubs/index.html

Go there and try to find the 5498 instructions. Under 2007 5498, you'll find the 5498 information-only form and the 5498-ESA information-only form and the 5498-ESA instructions, but you won't find the 5498 Instructions under "5498"!

So, are they really there or perhaps they don't really exist?

They're out there, you just have to remember that the IRA 5498 instructions aren't logically listed by the form number 5 4 9 8, they are under Form 1 0 9 9-R." We aren't kidding.

Please join us and email a constructive comment to the IRS: PLEASE SEPARATE THE 1099-R and 5498
Instructions.

Try this email address: Irs.gov.website.helpdesk@speedymail.com

If that email address doesn't work, go to www.irs.gov and click on the CONTACT IRS link at the top of the page. Go to the bottom of the next page and click on SEND US A COMMENT ABOUT THE WEBSITE.

Thanks!

A frustrated 5498 preparer!

Since you review the instructions every year, would you mind answering the following question?

For how many years have the instructions for 1099 and 5498 been grouped together?

I believe 2000 was the first year for the 1099-R/5498 combination instruction package. Before then, the 5498 instructions were part of a 1098/1099/5498/W-2G combination instruction package.