You can..and see what happens.
Many 1099-R forms have that box blank.
The issue (sometimes) is a 1099R form where box 2a is also blank, and the amount in box 2a needs to be calculated first...then the calculated value of 2a goes into box 14. IF box 2a is the same as box 1, then box 1 can go into box 14....but in most states, there is something in the software to enter the proper amount where it belongs.
But you do have to check to make sure the proper value gets transferred to the state tax return for "potentilal" state taxation as state income.
My 3 Fidelity 1099-R forms have valid box 2a values, and box 14 empty and I put them in the software that way.....then on a subsequent page after the 1099-R, the box 2a value was indicated as the state tax distribution for my state (NC)...once I confirmed that, the software actually back-filled box 14 with that value, but I had to confirm that value first. I've been told that other state software sets may not back-fill that value into box 14, and they actually just use the box 2a, or box 1 values.
____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
