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Level 2
June 2, 2019
Solved

Can we be charged double taking an early withdrawal from his 401K to buy a vehicle/ Form 1099-R shows a higher amount than he took out, it's double. Why?

  • June 2, 2019
  • 5 replies
  • 0 views
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Best answer by TomD8

The amount in Box 1 of the 1099-R is the gross distribution before taxes.  By IRS rule, the distribution is subject to mandatory 20% tax withholding.  A code 1 in Box 7 indicates that this was an early distribution (before age 59 1/2), which is subject to an additional 10% penalty tax.

Therefore the Box 1 amount will be greater than the amount actually received, but it shouldn't be "double."  As @VolvoGirl said, if the figures don't seem right, contact the plan administrator.

5 replies

Alumni - Champ
June 2, 2019
Did he have taxes withheld?
Level 15
June 2, 2019
Are you saying that the gross amount shown in box 1 of form 1099-R and the taxable amount shown in box 2a is more than the actual amount of the distribution that was taken out? Or are you asking about federal taxes owed on the amount of the distribution?
Level 2
June 2, 2019
Yes....the amount in those boxes is more than he took out.  Box 7 code is 1.
VolvoGirl
Level 15
June 2, 2019
Ask the plan to explain it.  What code is in box 7?  Did he move any of it to an IRA?  
TomD8Alumni - ChampAnswer
Alumni - Champ
June 2, 2019

The amount in Box 1 of the 1099-R is the gross distribution before taxes.  By IRS rule, the distribution is subject to mandatory 20% tax withholding.  A code 1 in Box 7 indicates that this was an early distribution (before age 59 1/2), which is subject to an additional 10% penalty tax.

Therefore the Box 1 amount will be greater than the amount actually received, but it shouldn't be "double."  As @VolvoGirl said, if the figures don't seem right, contact the plan administrator.

**Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.