topic Error on my 1040 in After you file

Error on my 1040

jimarbaugh1 — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 03:39:00 GMT

I left off my IRA distribution amount on line 4a of my return. I did capture the taxes withheld.

Re: Error on my 1040

macuser_22 — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 03:51:26 GMT

Did you enter the 1099-R this way?

What code is in box 7? Is the IRA/SEP/SIMPLE box checked?

Enter a 1099-R here:

Federal Taxes,
Wages & Income
(I'll choose what I work on - if that screen comes up)
Retirement Plans & Social Security,
IRA, 401(k), Pension Plan Withdrawals (1099-R).

OR Use the "Tools" menu (if online version left side) and then "Search Topics" for "1099-R" which will take you to the same place.

Be sure to choose which spouse the 1099-R is for if this is a joint tax return.
Be sure to pick the correct 1099-R type: Standard 1099-R, CSA-1099-R, CSF-1099-R, RRB-1099-R.

[NOTE: When you get to the "Your 1099-R Entries" screen where you can add another 1099-R, use "continue" to keep going as there are additional interview questions after that screen in most cases. You can always return as shown above.]

Re: Error on my 1040

BillM223 — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 15:43:58 GMT

I can't tell from your question, but note that frequently IRA distributions are not added to line 4a on the 1040; that is, the fact that you don't see the amount in 4a does not necessarily mean that you didn't enter it.

The IRS' convoluted instructions for line 4a mean that sometimes your distribution is added there and sometimes it is not. It is not true that 4a is the total of all IRA distributions - it's the total of only those distributions that the IRS requires that you report on this line (which is not all of them).

So use Mac's instructions to confirm that you entered the 1099-R correctly, and if it happens that 4a is blank but there is an amount in 4b (the taxable part of IRA distributions), then you have probably done it right.