How does a person who does not need to file, due to age and income, get their money back from Federal withholdings on a Required Minimum Distribution?

[bayoung18]

Parent has not filed taxes for years due to age and income. Taxes were withheld from their last RMD distribution, what is the simplest way to get that money back?

[rjs]

The only way to get the money back is to file a tax return. They can file a return even though they are not required to file.

Are you sure your parent is not required to file? If their income is very low they might not be required to file, but age does not relieve anyone of the obligation to file a tax return. There is no age at which someone is no longer required to file.

Do I Need to File a Tax Return?

[Vanessa A]

Even though they do not need to file, they can still file.  Filing a return is the only way to claim a refund. 

[xmasbaby0]

There will be a 1099R issued in late January/early February for the distribution from that retirement account.   It has to be entered on a 2021 tax return.

To enter your retirement income, Go to  Federal> Wages and Income>Retirement Plans and Social Security>IRA  401 k) Pension Plan Withdrawals to enter your 1099R.