1099R with now cost basis

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 28, 2018
2 replies
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If someone can help me, I can help over 10,000 people who have the same problem. I got a 1099-r on a fractional interest in a life insurance policy I purchased from life partners, who filed bankruptcy and has since emerged. Box 1 is complete, Box 2 is yes, Box 7 is seven. The trustee for the estate collects the death proceeds and then distributes your pro-rata portion. He says that he doesn't trust the companies books when it comes to cost basis and how much extra you paid in premiums - he further adds, go talk to a tax professional. Currently I simply enter the 1099-r in turbo and then on line 21 I enter a negative amount for the cost basis. Can someone tell me how to resolve? I thank you all in advance

AJ11_2

Level 6

This one caught my interest because I had never encountered anything this. It is common to get a 1099-R with the gross income in block 1 and either a zero or a number in Block 2a. I have never encountered a “yes”. In the case where the provider does not have records to determine the taxable amount for Block 2a, then the “Taxable amount not determined” box is normally marked in Block 2b. The 7 in Block 7 simply indicates a normal distribution.

Since the question has gone unanswered for a few days, I will report what I learned. I looked around to see what I could learn, and I found the February 2018 issue of the Life Partners Position Holder Trust (PHT) investor newsletter. It states that they sent Form 1099-R to report “maturity payments made to Continuing Fractional Holders in 2017 (including investors who successfully completed the Option 4 conversion).” The newsletter also states that as "in the Form 1099s for 2016, the PHT did not determine each investors’ taxable income. Instead, as allowed by IRS regulations, we have reported the total amount paid to each investor. Each individual investor must determine his or her taxable income taking into account all of the costs incurred in purchasing and maintaining the positions, any previous write-offs and the effect, if any, of the transactions required by the Plan.”

So it appears that you are on your own for the basis since they take the position that they can’t know all of your expenses or your previous write-offs. When taxable amounts are not determined, I’ve seen some situations where the taxpayers are instructed to enter the correct taxable amount for the Block 2a entry for the 1099-R. However, the Line 21 method that you describe is also used to correct totals for many situations also. As long as you document your process and get the correct AGI, then I think you should be OK.

But keep good records. You might need them to defend your numbers.

jdlacrz

Level 2

I'm in the same situation. How did you ultimately file 2018 tax return.

bbbAuthor

Level 2

in 2018 I use line 21 other income and put in a negative value. In the description field, I said cost of asset payer id# and entered the trust and then entered my cost basis as a negative number.

this year I will make a sub 1099-r in turbo tax. Keep good records and we will be ok. Hope this helped.

DaveF1006

Level 15

i my humble opinion as a tax adviser, i would report the original 1099 R and not the 4852. That is used strictly in case if you did not receive a 1099R, which you did.

If you know the basis of this distribution, you can enter that amount in Box 2A. if IRS questions you on this at a later time, make sure you have the documentation to prove this basis is correct. From what you have told me, this is a return of contribution.

i wouldn't represent this as a negative number on line 21 unless there is no other alternative.

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