Retirement tax questions

I can't provide you with a complete guide, but I can provide you with meaningful instructions.  First, don't file a substitute 1099 R. This is your most important step. Instead, follow these precise instructions.

1. Go to Federal on the left-hand menu. 
2. Select Wages & Income 
3. Locate "Less Common Income. 
4. Click Show More next to Less Common Income.
5. Select "Miscellaneous Income":
6. Find the last option in that list: Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C. Click Start or Revisit.
7. Choose "Other Reportable Income". Scroll to the very bottom of this new list and select Other reportable income. Click Start.
8. Enter the Description and Amount: Enter Foreign Pension received, and then the amount.

This will bypass the other hurdles you have experienced and will allow you to electronically file your return. Now, if you paid foreign taxes on your pension, you may be able to claim a foreign tax credit on your return.

1. Go to Federal > Deductions & Credits. 
2. Find Estimates and Other Taxes Paid and select Foreign Tax Credit.
3. Answer Yes to "Did you pay foreign taxes in 2025?"
4. When asked about the type of income, select General Category Income. 
5. Note: While some software defaults to "Passive," the IRS generally classifies pension income from past employment as "General Category" for Form 1116.
6. Add a Country: Select the country where the pension originated. 
7. Enter Income: You will be asked for the "Gross Income" from that country. Enter the USD amount of the pension again here. (This "links" the income to the tax credit; it does not double your income). 
8. Enter Taxes Paid: Enter the amount of foreign tax you paid, or that was withheld.
9. Finish out the section by pressing continue until you are done.

There will be a question in the interview asking you if you wish to take a simplified method or a general method regarding Amt. Since you are only reporting one category of income, choose simplified.