When I run this test, this is what I get:
The screen entitled "Verify Box 2a and Box 2b" does indeed say that box 2a is blank, but "0.00" prints in the box on that screen, right? If the 0.00 is
If you continue, you will be asked a series of questions (like was this from a job as a public safety officer or is this a qualified plan).
By the time you finish, you should be able to see that the amount is part of line 16a on the 1040 (which is non-taxable distributions), but not part of 16b (which is taxable distributions). In other words, TurboTax should remember the "$0.00" even if it called it "blank" at one point.
Note: make sure that box 2b is not checked. If the retirement fund administrator both checked box 2b and entered "$0.00" in box 2a, then you should call the administrator and ask them what they meant by this. If they really do not know if the distributions should be taxable, then there shouldn't be an entry in box 2a.
To see the final form 1040, please go to Tax Tools (on the left), then navigate to Tools->View Tax Summary and then click on Preview My 1040 (on the left).
