1099-R Qualified Pension gross distribution not showing up in 1040 Line 5a

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I have a 1099-R for a qualified pension that I started receiving monthly payments for this year. It is all taxable and I am well over retirement age. I would expect the amount in Box 1 of the 1099-R (Gross distribution) to show up on Line 5a Form 1040 (Pensions, and annuities), but it remains blank. However, Line 5b (Taxable amount) shows that number.

As a result, the income and tax are calculated correctly, but I'm curious what Line 5a is blank.

[DoninGA]

If the distribution amount and the taxable amount are the same then there will not be an entry on Line 5a on the Form 1040.

[dmertz · Accepted solution]

This is per the IRS instructions for line 5a/b.  If the entire amount of pension and annuity income is taxable, line 5a is to be left blank and the amount is to be shown only on line 5b.