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posted Feb 17, 2021 8:30:26 AM

I get a monthly pensionpayment from Germany . I normally fill out substitude form 4852. how do I find 4852? Need 1 for my wife also?

know how to fill out 4852, just show me the form.
thank you

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2 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 17, 2021 8:48:46 AM

Please be aware that pensions from the German government are treated just like US social security payments reported on an SSA-1099 (Publication 915 2020). You do not need Form 4852. Enter the amount received as an SSA-1099 by following the steps below:

  1. Login to your TurboTax Account 
  2. Click on the Search box on the top and type “Social security income”
  3. Click on “Jump to Social security income”
  4. Answer “Yes” to “Did you receive any Social Security benefits?
  5. Select “Social Security benefits (Form SSA-1099)” and enter the amount in box 5

Level 15
Feb 17, 2021 8:52:14 AM

Form 4852 is a substitute W-2 form, it should only be used to report income earned from working.  A pension is not income earned from working.

 

Have you been paying social security and medicare tax?  You may be able to get that refunded if you file amended tax returns for past years when you used this form incorrectly. 

 

On the other hand, if you have been using the form 4852 to show "compensation" from working so that you qualify to make IRA contributions, that is improper, and you may have a complicated situation to correct.  You may want to see a professional tax advisor.