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New Member
posted May 13, 2021 9:37:10 PM

I'm trying to apply the following: "as a Public Safety Officer (PSO) - you can exclude up to $3000 of your federal annuity income from federal taxes. any ideas for this?

My accountant was able to do this for me last year, but I'm trying to do this myself in Tubotax.  I thought the question came up, but I can't find it again and it doesn't look like it applied anything.

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
May 14, 2021 6:22:41 AM

The question will come up after you have entered your Form 1099-R.  After you indicate that you are a retired PSO, then you must indicate the amount of your distribution that was used to pay for health insurance.  The exclusion of up to $3000 is based on the amount used to pay health insurance, it is not a general exclusion.  

5 Replies
Expert Alumni
May 14, 2021 6:22:41 AM

The question will come up after you have entered your Form 1099-R.  After you indicate that you are a retired PSO, then you must indicate the amount of your distribution that was used to pay for health insurance.  The exclusion of up to $3000 is based on the amount used to pay health insurance, it is not a general exclusion.  

Level 1
Jul 19, 2023 10:13:02 AM

If I qualify for the PSO $3000 deduction and I check the PSO box, does the software automatically reduce my gross amount or do I enter a $3000 less gross amount that is posted on my 1099-R?

Thank you.

Level 15
Jul 20, 2023 10:09:27 AM

Enter the 1099-R as printed ... let the program do the deduction for you. 

Level 15
Jul 20, 2023 12:39:57 PM

It's necessary to do as Critter-3 explained because when taking the (up to) $3,000 exemption TurboTax must place the "PSO" notation next to line 5b of Form 1040, otherwise the IRS will claim that you underreported your income.

Level 1
Jul 20, 2023 2:04:29 PM

Thank you Critter-3!