Hello all - The following quote from the official IRS form 1040 Instruction book might shed some light on this enigma, because it cleared up my totally justified confusion from zero visibility to partial fog:
"If your pension or annuity is fully taxable, enter the total pension or annuity payments
(from Form(s) 1099-R, box 1) on line 4b; don’t make an entry on line 4a."
Isn't that special?
Your congress at work.
