topic Re: Box 16 - 1099-R in Retirement tax questions

Box 16 - 1099-R

copester2112 — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 15:56:58 GMT

TurboTax won't allow my entry from my 1099-R form from Box 16 (State Distribution). My 1099-R (Box 16) is blank and Turbo Tax won't allow that and won't let me continue...what do I need to do to remedy this situation?

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

AnnetteB6 — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:05:51 GMT

The situation you described is something that is being worked on. Take a look at the following TurboTax help article for an opportunity to register your email address to receive updates.

Why am I unable to enter my state distributions in my 1099-R?

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

VolvoGirl — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 17:06:47 GMT

I don't know what problem that help article is addressing but it does not sound like your situation when box 16 is blank. If box 16 is blank you need to enter the amount from box 1. Unless box 14 is also empty or blank. If box 14 is blank then leave boxes 14, 15 & 16 all Blank.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

buckeyeandbluegrass — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:12:29 GMT

My 1099-R Box 16 is blank, although Boxes 1, 2a, 2b, 4, 7, 14, 15 are filled. This is the identical scenario I have had for several years running, using TT for all without problem. This year though, TT will not let me proceed past the blank Box 16. I am in Ohio (in case that matters.)

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

BrittanyS — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:53:55 GMT

Box 16 on the 1099-R is for state distributions. Many states require box 16 to be completed. If box 16 is blank you will enter the amount from box 2a. Box 2a is the taxable amount of the gross distribution. If box 2a is blank, and you haven't made after-tax contributions to the account, you can use the amount in box 1.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

buckeyeandbluegrass — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 23:33:46 GMT

Thank you for the suggestion to populate box 16 with information from box 1 or 2a, but I am not comfortable with this, especially as in past years I have never had to do so. In the past, I simply poulated the boxes in TT just as indicated on 1099-R, including leaving box 16 blank. This makes me think that either TT is not handling this situation correctly this year, or State of Ohio has changed their requirements. In the first scenario, TT would need to make a correction in the software, and in the second scenario I would have to request a corrected 1099-R. Any further thoughts?

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

VolvoGirl — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:31:15 GMT

I believe you always had to fill in box 16 in the past. Maybe you didn't have any state withholding in box 14. Or maybe box 16 was already populated.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

buckeyeandbluegrass — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:59:07 GMT

Thank you for replying. 🙂 I am certain Box 16 was always blank in previous years, while Boxes 1, 2a, 2b, 4, 7, 14, 15 were filled. I pulled my files for past four years to verify. Also, I know I have never been blocked like this in the past while inputting the data into TT.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

mimiyo — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 19:33:46 GMT

I am having this same problem, as well. Although I could work around it while in the program, TT will not allow me to efile with Box 16 left blank.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

catman85 — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 03:42:56 GMT

This is the first year that I had this issue, my line 16 was blank but 14 and 15 was filed, I inserted what was on line 1 into line 16 and TT liked it, no errors.....I believe not all 1099Rs are filling box 16.....

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

catman85 — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 03:44:48 GMT

I had the same situation this year.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

debmbailey — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 15:42:40 GMT

My 1099R form has box 16 blank for state distribution (Ohio) and Turbo Tax says it can’t be left blank or less than state tax withheld on their form. What should I do?

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

VolvoGirl — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 15:59:21 GMT

If box 14 for state withholding is empty then leave all boxes 14-16 Blank.

If box 14 has an amount and box 16 is blank put in the amount from box 2a in box 16. If 2a is blank then put the amount from box 1.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

copester2112 — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 19:53:44 GMT

What if I do as you say and the IRS doesn't like this, what then is my recourse?

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

VolvoGirl — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 20:00:03 GMT

Boxes 14-19 are only for state tax returns. The IRS doesn’t need to know about them.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

Bikeandsail — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:41:57 GMT

This needs fixed now.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

catman85 — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:32:12 GMT

Bike ans Sail,

It's not the federal government but it's the state that you live in that is requiring that box 16 be filled. The states are double checking that they are getting their fair share.....lol Only if withholding for state taxes is in box 14 and a state is in 15 that they are requiring now that box 16 is filled. Use the number from box 2a, if no number is there use the number from box 1.

I am not a professional but after lots of research this seems to be the best response. This is what I did when I filled and I just received my state refund.

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

fwell — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:40:47 GMT

I have the same problem. my 1099-R does not havw a box 16. I need to file my taxes NOW not whenever you get around to fixing this issue. is there another work around? Can I just put $0.00 in the turbotax box?

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

VolvoGirl — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:44:24 GMT

Anything in box 14? If not then leave boxes 14, 15 & 16 blank, no spaces. If you have withholding in box 14 then enter the same amount as in box 2a. If box 2a is blank use the amount from box 1.

Here is an official Turbo Tax FAQ. It's for Louisiana but will be the same for any state.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/form-1099-r/fix-louisiana-1099-r-without-number-line-16-still/L9slcfwY5_US_en_US?uid=m79vzk0q

Re: Box 16 - 1099-R

catman85 — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:44:44 GMT

If you have withholdings in box 14 and a state in box 15 than you need to put box 2a in box 16...if you put $0 your return will be rejected. If you have nothing in box2a use box 1.

This information is only for you the state return.