topic Re: 1099-R box 2B error in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

1099-R box 2B error

barbrobinson1226 — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:43:25 GMT

I have a 1099-R that is blank in box 2 and box 2B for "Taxable amount not determined" is checked. I entered the information this way on the desktop program but after completing the income section, it showed that I said the income on that 1099-R was not taxable. It is taxable. I don't know how to correct this unless I enter the same amount is box 2 that is in box 1, even though that's not what is on the 1099-R I received. Any ideas?

Re: 1099-R box 2B error

pk — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:52:44 GMT

@barbrobinson1226 are you saying that your Box 1 shows the distribution, but 2A has nothing in it and 2b is checked as taxable amount not determined ? Because in such a case, Turbo has no way ( absent your age and total contribution to be allocated ) has only two options -- (a) the whole distribution is taxable or (b) none is taxable. What is in Box 7 -- distribution code ? What type of pension/annuity is it ? If this where none contribution or only pretax contributions were made then the whole distribution is probably taxable.

I don't know much about these -- @dmertz is our general go to person for such. There also may be others.

Re: 1099-R box 2B error

Mike9241 — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:43:31 GMT

since you say it's taxable, 2a must be completed. Generally, it's the same as box 1 and for a Traditional IRA code 7, and the IRA box is checked. if it's for an IRA and you have made non-deductible contributions Form 8606 is also required so the 2a amount can be prorated between taxable and non-taxable. The 8606 also requires the Fair Value of all Traditional IRAs as of 12/31/2025

the answer would vary for other retirement accounts and codes.

Re: 1099-R box 2B error

dmertz — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:32:53 GMT

Can't answer without knowing:

What is the code in box 7?

Is the IRA/SEP/SIMPLE box is marked?

Re: 1099-R box 2B error

barbrobinson1226 — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:43:46 GMT

Thanks for your response. Yes, Box 1 has the Gross Distribution an box 2a is blank with box 2B Taxable Amount Not Determined is checked. Box 7 has the Distribution Code 7. It has been that way for all the years that I have been receiving this pension and Turbo Tax has always added it as a taxable amount which is why I'm confused.

Re: 1099-R box 2B error

dmertz — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:37:13 GMT

I'm not sure how you can cause this distribution to be treated as nontaxable (entirely excluded from Form 1040 line 5b) unless you either indicated that you rolled the distribution over or you used the Simplified Method or the General Rule to indicate that less that the full amount is taxable. I would print out TurboTax's 1099-R for for this entry and examine TurboTax's Additional Distribution Information and the Simplified Method Worksheet to see if these explain why no part if this distribution is appearing on Form 1040 line 5b.

Given that there is no code D in box 7, I assume that this is a distribution from a qualified plan, perhaps a pension plan. If you have no after-tax basis in the plan, the entire amount is taxable. It would only be made nontaxable by applying the Simplified Method and indicating some nonzero plan cost (your after-tax investment in the plan). If you are unable to substantiate any after-tax investment in the plan, the entire amount is taxable.