Greetings,
After perusing some discussions of reporting foreign pension income, I'm leaning toward the simpler (IRS-endorsed?) method of "other income" (example). However, I'll also be claiming a foreign state pension and it might be better at least next year to separate them and put the amounts on 1040 line 5a, especially if there's any state tax implication.
The recommendation of some Turbotax advisers here is to generate a substitute 1099-R/form 4852, but discussions elsewhere suggest this is aimed more at reporting negligence by US businesses, and it doesn't seem like the best way if avoidable. Particularly when you're representing that you've tried getting a 1099-R and worked with the IRS to that end (non-applicable).
So, how about filling out the 1099-R dialog without choosing a substitute 1099? I did this in years past at the direction of another program, but those were paper-filed, with no 1099's required unless requested by IRS. So would this work even with a "dummy" TIN (whether zeroes, ones or nines), and be legitimate for e-filing? Thanks!
