Very confusing questions regarding a 1099-R pension payout from deceased benefactor who was a public safety officer

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 4, 2019
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In the 1099-R section, there is a question as to whether or not the money was received from employment as a public safety officer. The top half of the section alludes to my employment, but the bottom half is the section is generic and refers to this money being received from employment of a public service officer.

While I am not a police officer, my now deceased parent was and this payment to me was from her account to as a beneficiary after her death.

So do I answer "Yes" or "No" when TurboTax asks if the money came from employment as a public service officer? The way the screen is presented is confusing.

TurboTax Deluxe Windows

Best answer by Critter

No, you were not the officer.

CritterAnswer

Level 15

No, you were not the officer.

macuser_22

Alumni - Champ

@reginarberg - Because the answer to the PSO question does not go on a tax return. It's only propose is to bring up the next TurboTax interview screen. A "yes" answer will the ask "Did the pension plan administrator Pay for Health Insurance - Did the pension administrator take out money form xxx's pension to pay for health insurance".

Answering no to the PSO question just avoids the health insurance question - that is all the PSO questions does.

If health insurance premiums were not paid by the plan then it makes no difference if the PSO question is answered yes OR no, the result will be the same but there will be extra questions to answer.

(If by chance health insurance premiums WERE paid by the plan then consult the plan administrator for guidance - plan rules can differ.)

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**