Over contribution to 401k plan

[tallguy]

I ended up going slightly over the limit on deferrals to my 401k plan.  The amount is small (about $12) so will not affect my taxes in any way but I still need to get it corrected.  I was at first led to believe that it would be done automatically.  It wasn't, so I contacted the plan advisor.  That person told me I had to go through the fund company, who told me I need to go through my employer.  The plan administrator at my employer is now working on it. 

I am assuming that I need to get a refund check for the over contribution and earnings, but have asked if it is possible to merely recharacterize that small part as a 2013 contribution instead.  I am assuming also that there will be some IRS paperwork involved, likely a 1099 form.  Am I precluded from filing my taxes until this process is completed and I have either the 1099 or a corrected W-2 in hand, or can I simply add the excess to my wages for the year and file now?  Also, if anyone has an answer to the year-to-year recharacterization question I would appreciate it.  I don't think it's possible, but haven't found anything definitive on it.  Thanks.

[mwcpa]

If you funded too much in 2012 as the result of exceed the "Congressionally" set limit of 17.5K then you need to "not" deduct the overage in 2012 and have the refund returned to you ASAP (before you file) to avoid penalties.  If your 401(k) failed one of the many discrimination test (high comp and other) then you wil report the redunded amont in youre 2013 return, you fund administrators should handle that.

You cannot count a 2012 deferral as 2013.....

[tallguy]

Thanks for the response.  Yes, I exceeded the Elective-deferral limit. 

Got a response back.  The fund company sent a form stating the amount of Pre-Tax Deferral Correction needing to be made.  The plan administrator verified the amount and faxed it back.  I will then be issued a check for that amount plus associated earnings.  Now all I need to do is figure out how to spend my windfall!  Thirteen-fourteen bucks!  Woo-hoo!