IRA Distribution not showing on 4a

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
February 16, 2024
6 replies
41 views

IRA Distribution is not showing on 4a but showing correctly on 4b. Turbo Tax rep says that it is OK to submit form with 4a blank. We have been retired and taking distributions from traditional IRA for over 9 years and I have never seen 4a left blank.

DoninGA

Level 15

If the amount from box 1 on the Form 1099-R is the same as the taxable amount in box 2a, then on the Form 1040 Line 4a the distribution amount will not be entered. This is based on IRS rules for Lines 4a and 5a.

Barb1959Author

Level 2

Is this a new IRS rule? In the past 9 years, I have always seen a figure in 4a.

dmertz

Level 15

The line numbers have changed but the rule has not and TurboTax has followed this rule for more than 9 years.

If you examine your past tax returns, you'll likely find that the amount on line 4b (or its equivalent) is lower than the amount on line 4a, either due to some amount being rolled over or to having had basis in nondeductible traditional IRA contribution reducing the taxable amount, calculated on Form 8606.

dmertz

Level 15

If the entire amount distributed from IRAs is taxable, the IRS instructions specify that box 4a is to be left blank. TurboTax has conformed to this instruction for many, many years.