The inconsistent results may reflect different handling for e-file and paper file (just a guess). The IRS computers may ignore Line 4a and just look for consistent and correct calculations involving 4b. But any human reviewer reading a paper 1040 is going to want to investigate why the gross distributions are less than the taxable portion, leading to unpredictable conclusions and actions by that reviewer.
TT stands alone on this one. Every other product and service that people have reported on puts the total gross of all distributions on 4a, if any one of them is only partially taxable. Also, people who have actually spoken with IRS representatives report that they expect 4a to be total gross distributions, when any one of them is partially taxable.
Meanwhile in the TT alternate universe, we have apparently one individual who has decided to interpret the instructions differently, and won't be moved by any other input.
