There is no option on the section where I enter 1099-R forms to show that benefit as state tax exempt.
Go back and edit that 1099-R form in the Federal section again.
On a page AFTER the main form (with all the boxes) there is a page asking where the distribution was from, with a list of various state/federal providers. One of those pension types needs to be selected.
AND...the state distribution on that page is NOT a zero. That needs to be the value of box 2a, as long as 2a has a non-zero $$ value in it. IF 2a is empty, or "undetermined" then the State distribution is the same as the Federally-taxable amount of box 1...which is usually just the box 1 value.
Go back and edit that 1099-R form in the Federal section again.
On a page AFTER the main form (with all the boxes) there is a page asking where the distribution was from, with a list of various state/federal providers. One of those pension types needs to be selected.
AND...the state distribution on that page is NOT a zero. That needs to be the value of box 2a, as long as 2a has a non-zero $$ value in it. IF 2a is empty, or "undetermined" then the State distribution is the same as the Federally-taxable amount of box 1...which is usually just the box 1 value.