"The distributions taken in 2019 were based on the value of IRAs at the end of 2018 not 2019."
ker2, you are continuing to think that TurboTax is asking for a year-end balance to calculate RMDs. TurboTax is not. TurboTax does not calculate RMDs. Because TurboTax doesn't calculate RMDs, 2019 TurboTax has no need to know your 2018 year-end value and will not ask for it.
" those that weren't for charity were taxable."
Apparently not entirely taxable. TurboTax is appropriately asking for your 2019 year-end balance because you apparently have indicated to TurboTax that you have basis in nondeductible traditional IRA contributions and your 2019 year-end balance is required on Form 8606 to be able to calculate the amount of the nontaxable portion of the your distributions that were not QCDs. Until you enter the year-end balance, TurboTax cannot properly calculate the nontaxable amount and calculates a nontaxable amount that is too high, causing TurboTax's refund display to show an inflated amount. Once you enter your 2019 year-end balance, TurboTax recalculates the correct lower amount that is nontaxable, appropriately lowering your refund.
Look at your 2019 Form 8606 to see the calculation of the nontaxable and taxable amounts of your traditional IRA distributions that were not QCDs. Your 2019 year-end balance is required to be present on line 6 to be able to do the proper calculation.
(The only other reason that 2019 TurboTax would ask for a a 2019 year-end balance is if you have excess contributions in your IRA, but that's unlikely for someone subject to RMDs.)
