Most 1099-R forms don't fill in box 16...that might be state dependent
For NC, The software used to autofill box 16 in for you as box 2a....Maybe that depends on whether you have Online or Desktop software.
In my 2025 desktop software, for NC, as long as box 2a has a valid non-zero number in it, then box 2a is used on the actual NC forms, even if box 16 is left empty in your 1099-R form entry. (actually, NC starts with the Federal AGI, which uses box 2a. For Box 2a, the only time it has an effect on NC income, is if it qualifies for one of the NC income deductions, for Bailey Settlement, RRoad pensions, or Military Retirement deductions, where box 2a is used to lower the starting Federal AGI to obtain a lower NC AGI.
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....For a few Pension or IRA situations, box 2a is empty and 2b might be marked "Undetermined", especially for an IRA. For an IRA, then 2a is usually the same as box 1. BUT It may not be the same as box 1 if the person made Non-Deductible contributions to that IRA, in that case, the proper taxable amount (box2a) must be calculated from the taxpayers contribution records.
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
