topic 1040 Line 5b greater than 1099-R box 2a in Retirement tax questions

1040 Line 5b greater than 1099-R box 2a

user17717946240 — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:20:17 GMT

I completed multiple rollovers of after-tax 401k contributions to a Roth IRA last year. The 1099-R shows the appropriate value in box 2a (Taxable amount) for the increase in value before I completed the rollovers (around $200). I expected the Form 1040 line 5b to show the value from my 1099-R box 2a. However, it is showing a larger number, which looks like box 2a plus the difference between box 1 (Gross distribution) and box 5 (Employee contributions). The overall impact to my taxes is small, but I wanted to understand if this is correct (or is a bug in the TurboTax logic).

Re: 1040 Line 5b greater than 1099-R box 2a

ReneV4 — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:30:14 GMT

The number you see on line 5b represents the total amount of the distribution that the IRS considers taxable.

To ensure this isn't a logic bug, check your "Additional Distribution Information" worksheet in the Forms mode (if using Desktop) or the "Tax Summary" in TurboTax Online.

You can view Tax Summary by clicking on Tax Tools on left panel, then Tools, then View Tax Summary

If Box 2a + (Box 1 - Box 5) are being added together, this is a mistake

However, if Line 5b exactly matches (Box 1 - Box 5), this is the correct IRS treatment for a Roth conversion of after-tax funds

Other items to check:

Ensure you have marked that this is a direct rollover (Code G in Box 7)
When asked by TurboTax, make sure you select, I moved it to another retirement account and specify it was a Roth IRA

Re: 1040 Line 5b greater than 1099-R box 2a

user17717946240 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:08:05 GMT

Thanks for confirming. This does look to be incorrect. Do you have a recommendation for how to report the issue?

The values in my case are:

- 1099-R

- Box 1 - Box 5: $116

- Box 2a: $231

- Box 7: "G"

- 1040

- Line 5a matches 1099-R Box 1

- Line 5b: $347

Re: 1040 Line 5b greater than 1099-R box 2a

AmyC — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 01:56:53 GMT

We can't see your return or what you have on your 8606 for a basis. I have two thoughts:

1.Forms/ entry issue: You may have an extra 1099-R that imported, the 8606 basis is not correct, etc

Verify your 8606, 1040 Wks and flow of the income through the forms. To print or view your forms, including all worksheets:

In desktop, switch to Forms Mode.
For online:
1. On the left side, select Tax Tools
2. Select Print center
3. Select Print, save or preview this year's return
4. If you have not paid, select pay now.

2. A full or corrupted cache can cause problems in TurboTax, sometimes you need to clear your cache (that is, remove these temporary files).

Online version:

Delete the form 1099-R, see How to Delete
Log out of your return and try one or more of the following:
- Don't use Internet Explorer.
- Clear cache and cookies,
- Sign in using a different browser.
- Sign in using a different device.
Log back into your return.
- Enter the information again.

Desktop version:

Delete the form 1099-R
Save your return while closing the program.
Update the program
Open
Enter the information again.