I had to file a North Carolina non-resident return because a 401k check was mailed to a traveling mailbox service that I have there so the 401k company withholds NC tax.

[dannyc2]

The 1099-R box 2a shows $502.68. I assumed I would get that back because I don’t live or make income in or from NC but my return says zero.

[Karis_F · Accepted solution]

Form 1099-R, box 2a is the taxable amount of the pension distribution you received. 

The state distribution amount is in box 16 and the state tax withheld is in box 14 of your 1099-R.

If you had North Carolina tax withheld on your 1099-R in box 14 and do not have a NC tax return filing requirement, you can file a non-resident return to get your NC withholding back. 

On the North Carolina non-resident return, you would not include the 1099-R income as earned in NC.

Here is an article from the NC Department of Revenue that discusses tax return filing requirements.