Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Level 1
posted Jul 13, 2020 7:13:50 PM

"simplified method" on annuities & pensions

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.

0 3 1363
3 Replies
Level 15
Jul 13, 2020 7:19:57 PM

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.

Level 1
Jul 13, 2020 7:48:31 PM

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.

Level 15
Jul 13, 2020 7:58:05 PM


@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.


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.