@Critter#2 None of this explains why 4a is less than 4b on TT returns with multiple IRA and pension distributions, when some are fully taxable and others are partially taxable. You seem to be saying that it doesn't matter what's on 4a, so why is the line even there? Why not just report the taxable amount if that's all that matters?
The obvious answer is that if the total gross amount of all distributions is different than the taxable portion, it's the gross amount total that goes on 4a. And it's even more obvious that the gross amount total cant be less than the taxable portion total, which is what TT is reporting.
There is no way either Drake or TT could have been making 4a less than 4b during the last "12 years", since the IRA and pensions were combined on one 1040 line this year for the first time, so that argument is completely irrelevant.
It's certainly possible, though hardly guaranteed, that the IRS will overlook the fact that your reported total gross distributions (4a) are shown as less than the taxable portion (4b) on your 1040, but that doesn't change the fact than any sixth grader would know that can't possibly be correct.
