I was about to file, but the system says my state tax witheld equals my gross distribution on form 1099-R -- which it does not! How do we fix this?

Make sure your entries in TurboTax are correct. 

Box 14 4 State tax withheld

Box 15 /Payer’s state no

Box 16 State distribution

1. Revisit the Federal income section
2. Scroll down to Retirement Plans and Social Security.
3. Click edit next to IRA, 401K, Pension withdrawals (1099R)
4. On the screen Your 1099R entries select edit next to the form.

If box 16 is empty on your 1099-R but you have state taxes withheld in box 14, you need to enter your total distribution in box 16 

What would the distribution number be if it's empty on my 1099-R? 

 

Is it gross distribution minus state tax withheld? 

If your 1099-R shows you had State Tax Withheld (in Box 14), then the 'State Distribution' (Box 16) is the amount equal to the Gross Distribution amount in Box 1.  If that applies, you also need a State ID in Box 15. 

 

However, if you had no State Tax Withheld (many do not), then leave the State Distribution box blank also.  You should enter your 1099-R as it is issued. 

 

Here's more info on How to Enter 1099-R.

 

@pvellon18