RRB 1099R tax free amount previous recovered.

[user17726029146]

In computing my 2025 taxes, Turbo Tax asks in the annuity information section what my annuity start date is. I filled that in (year 2011).  Then I'm asked for the "the number of months payments received in 2025", which I answered 12. Where I'm struggling is the "tax free amount previously recoverd". Turbo Tax calculated a number based on my previously filings. But how do I know it's right, that I had entered the correct information to begin with when I started using Turbo Tax? Is there a ballpark way to know if this number is right?  Is it some sort of % of my annuity?

Thank you

[AmyC]

Let's go through the process:

• While you worked, you paid into your annuity with after tax dollars. 
• Each year, you get back some of that already taxed money. 
• Once you use up all the $ you paid in, the full amount will be taxable.

Let's figure out this year:

• You can look at last year's tax return and find the simplified method worksheet which shows the amount recovered in prior years. The amount for this year would be the amount already recovered in prior years plus the 2024 amount excluded.
• The tax free part is based on your age and what you paid in.
• You can go back through prior tax returns and see the total distribution listed on the 1040 and the taxable amount included with your income. If you have more pension plans, look for the simplified worksheet in them.
• When you got your first 1099-R, box 9 would have the total of your contributions. You can see if you have it or if the employer knows. You may not need it but it is good to know.
• for most employees the % is 5-15% but can be higher or lower depending on how much you contributed.

Final tips: 

• For your own records, keep a running tab for each year of the amount excluded so you won't have to worry again in the future. 
• You may be able to contact your former employer for more accurate information.

[SteamTrain]

@user17726029146 

Were you required to go thru those steps in prior years??

If Not.....then

Any chance that RRB-1099-R has a real box 2a value somewhat lower than box 1....but not empty nor a zero?

If so, then you may have mis-chosen an answer to one of the follow-up questions after entering the main RRB-1099-R  form.

I can give more directions if this is the case, and you haven't actually filed your taxes yet.