A 2018 1099-R with a code J8 indicates a return of contribution taxable in 2018. The amount returned plus any earnings should be in box 1. The taxable earnings in box 2a. Only the earnings in box 2a are taxable.
If the box 2a is including the contribution and earnings then the 1099-R is incorrect and you should contact the payer for a corrected 1099-R.
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
