Is inheritance listed as taxable income on form 1099-R actually taxable?

[HelenaC]

Yes, it can be. 

 A distribution from a retirement plan or IRA (except a Roth IRA) is taxable income to the heir or beneficiary to the same extent the distribution was taxable to the decedent if the decedent were still alive.

Unlike most other assets, retirement plans and IRAs do not receive a basis step up at death. In other words, you do not get the current market value of the IRA as your inherited basis.

Per IRS Retirement Topics - Beneficiary https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-beneficiary   Inherited from someone other than spouse. If the inherited traditional IRA is from anyone other than a deceased spouse:

1. The beneficiary cannot treat it as his or her own.
2. This means that the beneficiary cannot make any contributions to the IRA or roll over any amounts into or out of the inherited IRA.
3. However, the beneficiary can make a trustee-to-trustee transfer as long as the IRA into which amounts are being moved is set up and maintained in the name of the deceased IRA owner for the benefit of the beneficiary.
4. Like the original owner, the beneficiary generally will not owe tax on the assets in the IRA until he or she receives distributions from it.

To enter your 1099-R:

• Type 1099-R in the search box and click search.
• Click on Jump to 1099-R.
• Continue with the onscreen interview.

For expanded information and video, click on Where do I enter my 1099-R?

Related information:

• What do all the codes in Box 7 of the 1099-R mean?
• Is my distribution nontaxable if box 2a on my 1099-R is "0" or blank?

[F4PHANTOM]

is an inheritance received and listed on form 1099R taxable?

[dmertz]

Unless the Form 1099-R has $0 in box 2a and box 2b Taxable amount not determined is unmarked (say, reporting a distribution from a life-insurance policy upon the death of the insured), the distribution is includible in the taxable income of the beneficiary the same as it would have been includible in taxable income of the participant had the participant received the distribution before death.  It is deferred income.