"simplified method" on annuities & pensions

[lhansen789]

Been doing TurboTax for years; been retired for years; first time I've seen this. I'm supposed to calculate the "plan cost" of my pension. There's no way I can do this. Don't have the records and don't really understand the question. I've got several other smaller annuities so  I'm in a real panic on how to do this.

[macuser_22]

You cannot change methods.  What method did you use last year.  If you used the box 2a as the taxable income than that is what you select this year.

[lhansen789]

I didn't choose a method in any previous years.  This is the first time turbotax has presented this to me. I've checked the same boxes I've always checked.

[macuser_22]

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@lhansen789 wrote:

I didn't choose a method in any previous years.  This is the first time turbotax has presented this to me. I've checked the same boxes I've always checked.

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For many years (at least back to 2010)  TurboTax has always asked the follow question for a 1099-R that has a code 1,2 or 7 in box 7 and the IRA box is not checked and you select that it is a qualified retirement account.  If you choose the box 2a method you are done.   If you choose another amount then you get the simplified method questions.