Should I use the Simplified or General Plan to determine taxable amount of my federal (Civil Service) retirement distributions? retired 1997; I'm over 75.

[ColeenD3]

Recovering your cost tax free.

How you figure the tax-free recovery of the cost of your CSRS or FERS annuity depends on your annuity starting date.

• If your annuity starting date is before July 2, 1986, either the 3-Year Rule or the General Rule (both discussed later) applies to your annuity.

• If your annuity starting date is after July 1, 1986, and before November 19, 1996, you could have chosen to use either the General Rule or the Simplified Method (discussed later).

• If your annuity starting date is after November 18, 1996, you must use the Simplified Method.