topic 1040 5a filled in rather than 4a for direct rollover 401k to an IRA? Also had an RMD, shows on 4b with 4a blank. How to fix? Thanks in Retirement tax questions

1040 5a filled in rather than 4a for direct rollover 401k to an IRA? Also had an RMD, shows on 4b with 4a blank. How to fix? Thanks

user17713371424 — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:16:14 GMT

Using Premier Desktop 2025 (up to date on updates) - It took 401k Direct Rollover to IRA and placed on 5a (showing it as a pension or annuity) rather than on 4a as a Direct Rollover. Also had an RMD which is taxable. How does this get fixed to show proper rollover amount and taxable RMD and remove from 5a? Thanks!

Re: 1040 5a filled in rather than 4a for direct rollover 401k to an IRA?Also had an RMD, shows on 4b with 4a blank.How to fix?Thanks

VolvoGirl — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:36:03 GMT

Those are both right. The 401k goes on line 5 with pensions. It goes on the line it's coming out of. Only IRA goes on line 4. Then the IRA RMD goes on line 4. Line 4a is blank because it is the same amount as 4b. The IRS instructions for 4a & 5a say not to enter it if it is the same as the b line.

If you had a IRA RMD didn't you also have a 401K RMD? You have to take out the 401K RMD before you roll any over to the IRA.

Re: 1040 5a filled in rather than 4a for direct rollover 401k to an IRA?Also had an RMD, shows on 4b with 4a blank.How to fix?Thanks

user17713371424 — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:23:09 GMT

THANK YOU!

I hadn't realized that the 401(k) was categorized as a pension. Guess I still think of pensions in the older terms.

The RMD is for inherited funds. I'm not yet taking any RMD's for my own retirement funds.

Thanks again.