Massachusetts Form 1 error on taxable pensions and annuities

[Joe666]

Cannot fix a Massachusetts state tax return error in order to e-file. Error message reads "Tax-Exempt Pension should not be entered directly on Form 1 .....etc....".  I've seen similar posts on this subject relating to pensions but not any resolutions.  In my case it's due to a life insurance distribution that is only partially taxable.  I've double checked the 1099-R entries on the Federal form, and it is correct.  I've paid for the MA state e-filing and have not yet e-filed the Federal.

[NicolleR1 · Accepted solution]

Go through your Massachusetts return, then go to the adjustment section. Then go through the questions until you reach the question for Pension Adjustment - Federally Taxable. If you have a 0 there, you will need to remove the 0 in the box and leave it blank for non-taxable Massachusetts Pensions. If you need to make a manual adjustment because it's different from the federal, you can't file electronically. Instead, you will need to mail your MA return. See Image below for reference 

[Joe666]

Thank you.  The suggested fix worked well - the box must be left blank.  I suggest perhaps rewording (or eliminating) this troublesome question page for Massachusetts returns unless the 1099-R information, which has already been entered earlier in the Federal return section, is either incomplete or in error.