1000R info

[user17702573530]

I am entering a 1099R from a federal civil service retirement annuity.  Turbotax is asking for annuity start date. 

How do I find this date and what format does it go in?  

It also asks for plan cost.  Is this the "total employee contribution" from box 9b of the 1099R?

Finally, it asks for "Death benefit exclusion"  What is this and where do I find it?  Is it required?

the help boxes with the question marks contain zero information about what these items are and how to find them.

[ThomasM125]

The annuity start date would be the date distributions from the annuity started, for instance 01/01/2025. The plan cost to the employee would be the amount in box 9(b). The death benefit exclusion would be the amount up to $5,000 the is a non-taxable distribution made upon the death of the annuitant. You would have to ask the plan administrator what that amount is. You should enter all information requested in the program to make sure your tax return is prepared properly.