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Level 2
February 16, 2020
Solved

1099-R Rounding error on total amount

  • February 16, 2020
  • 7 replies
  • 79 views

Using Turbo Tax for Tax Year 2019.  I have two 1099-R forms to enter reporting early distributions from two different IRAs.  These two IRAs are in my 72(t) universe.  When Turbo Tax adds the balances up, it is rounding down the two amounts first, and then adding them up, which ends up rounding down the total amount.  Last year (2018), I only had one 1099-R form, and the amount was rounded up.  Since I am taking the early distributions from my IRAs as a part of a 72(t)  "Substantially Equal Periodic Payments" plan, I want the amounts to match exactly, year over year.  In this case, the amount reported on this years return is $1.00 less than last year.  I do not want to "bust" my 72(t) plan due to a Turbo Tax rounding error.  Thoughts?

Best answer by CatinaT1

This is due to how the IRS allows software to round each individual number instead of only rounding the total.  I would round the numbers yourself as you enter them instead of entering the dollar and cents.  This way it will come out exact.

7 replies

CatinaT1
CatinaT1Answer
Level 15
February 16, 2020

This is due to how the IRS allows software to round each individual number instead of only rounding the total.  I would round the numbers yourself as you enter them instead of entering the dollar and cents.  This way it will come out exact.

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Steve64Author
Level 2
February 16, 2020

Why are software programs allowed to round differently than the general guidelines for rounding (do not round until after adding them together)?

DMarkM1
Level 15
February 24, 2020

Most likely because it is "substantially" the same.  

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