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New Member
posted Jun 1, 2019 6:30:03 AM

Why does TurboTax keep changing my answer about having IRA distribution before I turned 59 1/2 (when I review answers, I have to correct it every time)?

I crossed the 59.5 year boundary half way through the year but didn't start distribution till after that date.  It's hard to feel confident about my answers being recorded when they change every time I check back through.

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 6:30:08 AM

TurboTax does not record the answer you provide to this question because your answer is only used to tell TurboTax what question to ask next.  Each time you encounter the question simply answer accurately (you were over age 59½ at the time of the distribution) and move on.

7 Replies
New Member
Jun 1, 2019 6:30:05 AM

When did you turn 60? What Distribution Code was in Box 7 of the 1099-R?

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 6:30:06 AM

turned 60 in late November 2016...distribution code 7 and IRA/SEP/SIMPLE checked.

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 6:30:08 AM

TurboTax does not record the answer you provide to this question because your answer is only used to tell TurboTax what question to ask next.  Each time you encounter the question simply answer accurately (you were over age 59½ at the time of the distribution) and move on.

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 6:30:09 AM

You can confirm that TurboTax is handling the reporting of this distribution correctly by seeing that there is no 10% early-distribution penalty for this distribution shown on Form 1040 line 59.

New Member
Jun 1, 2019 6:30:10 AM

Your answer makes sense to me.  Thanks.  
That said, it sure seems like a poor UI choice to not remember that answer.  Why not just remember it so that your path through the system is the same whether you are entering for the first time or reviewing your answers.
I know this is a quibble on a fine product that I use year after year...still...

Level 15
Jun 1, 2019 6:30:12 AM

I agree.  Many people ask the same question you did and this is not the only question TurboTax asks that does not result in the answer being recorded.  Suggestions have been made to have TurboTax record the answers but no changes have been made an none are expected.  Recording the answers would require changes to the underlying data record structures that are not necessary for TurboTax to prepare the e-filing or the printed tax forms.

Level 3
Apr 9, 2022 6:39:02 AM

@dmertz 

But why some of the answers are being saved, and some are being changed( let’s say you put “yes” then the next time you sign in, the answer is changed to “No”.