If box 16 is blank on a 1099R why won't it accept that answer?

[MayaD]

If you don't have any taxes withheld in box 14, leave boxes 14,15 and 16 empty. If Box 14 shows State Tax withheld,  enter the amount from Box 2a.

[VolvoGirl]

Anything in box 14? If not then leave boxes 14, 15 & 16 blank, no spaces. If you have withholding in box 14 then enter the same amount as in box 1.

[Milo2020]

@MayaD @VolvoGirl  Where do you guys get these two different answers from? Do either of you have a fact-based reference? Box 2a makes more sense (I think) but any reference of how you came up with your answer would be great! Thanks.

[AnnetteB6]

If I were answering the same question, I would say to put the amount in box 1 in box 16.  

The reason and the basis for the answer is that we are familiar with how TurboTax works and we know that this entry is only being made to clear an error condition.  The amount actually entered in box 16 is not carried to or used directly in another form within the program.  All of the tax calculations are based on the entries in box 1 and 2a.  

However, if there is an amount in box 14, it is used as part of the state tax return.  

The situation is caused in part by the issuers of Form 1099-R entering information in box 14 without also filling in box 16 in conjunction with TurboTax putting in an error check to be sure both fields have a valid entry when box 14 has a value.

@Milo2020 

[Milo2020]

Thank you for your comment. It sounds like entities filling out the 1009-R are following the IRS guidelines and not filling in Box 16 unless necessary (not that I know when it is necessary).

And TurboTax has put “in an error check to be sure both fields have a valid entry when box 14 has a value” which means they chose the simplest error check they could regardless if it suits all situations and leaves their customers wondering what to do with the error. Since TurboTax help on this topic is non-existent, that leaves the customer to scour the web and then take a stab in the dark to choose from the various options offered up by unknown people but no actual source references to authoritative data. Isn’t there enough anxiety in this world such that your trusted software provider should provide solutions to customers problems? @AnnetteB6