using TurboTax 2025 Desktop Premier (Windows)
Defined benefit pension plans do NOT requireor use RMDs: distribution code, IRA/SEP/SIMPLE box unchecked, regular monthly pension, no account balance.
TurboTax is wrong (e.g., “treats this like deferred comp / IRA, demands RMD entry and threatens penalties even though pensions do not have RMDs” ).
Needs incrediblt convoluted workaround to trick TT into believing that the RMD was taken when twas nt. (entering Box 1 as RMD to clear bogus penalties).
Why this is incorrect tax law: pensions automatically satisfy RMD rules and do not require separate RMD calculation.
“This is a software defect in 1099‑R handling for defined benefit pensions, not a user error.”