What do I do with the "tax free amount previously recovered" - Federal CSRS pension

[Linda21001]

My 1099-R  box 2a has UNKNOWN taxable amount.  I use the simplified method.  I get a number that is "tax free amount previously recovered."  What do I do with it?  Subtract it from box 1 to get the taxable amount?  I guess Turbo Tax does the magic, but I want to understand what I'm doing!!

[Cynthiad66]

Enter the form 1099R as it is presented and TurboTax will do the magic!  Once you enter the information you will be able to review how the taxable amount was determined.
 

You can view your entire return or just your 1040 form before you e-file:

1. Sign in to your TurboTax account
2. Open or continue your return
3. Select Tax Tools from the menu (if you don't see this, select the menu icon in the upper-left corner)
4. With the Tax Tools menu open, you can then:
   • Preview your entire return: Select Print Center and then Print, save or preview this year's return (you may be asked to register or pay first)
   • View only your 1040 form: Select Tools. Next, select View Tax Summary in the pop-up, then Preview my 1040 in the left menu

Click here to view a video on how to view your return.

{Edited 3/16/2023 | 5:18 AM PST}

[Linda21001]

Thanks for the reply.  Unfortunately I think my question wasn't clear.  What I want to know is how do I get the taxable amount?  Box 1 has the gross distribution amount, box 2 has taxable amount (UNKNOWN).  Does the "simplified method" calculate a "tax free" amount that is subtracted from box 1, giving a taxable amount for box 2?  Or is it added to the previous year's amount and THEN subtracted from box 1 (?) which gives the taxable amount that belongs in box 2? 

Or what DOES the "simplified method" calculate?

[DavidD66]

You don't do anything with the "tax free amount previously recovered".  That amount will increase each year you take distributions.  You don't enter anything in the 1099-R entry screen that is not on your 1099-R.   The 1099-R worksheet that shows the calculations is available once you finish your return.  Or, if you want to review the Forms, Schedules, and Worksheets in your return you can print (to PDF) before filing you will need to pay for TurboTax and then you will be able to print your entire return or specific forms/schedules prior to filing.  You will still be able to make changes prior to filing. Follow these steps to print a preliminary copy of our return in TuboTax Online:

• While logged in and working on your return, click on Tax Tools
• From the drop down menu click on Print Center 
• Click on Print, save or preview this year's return
• On the next screen click on "Pay Now" 
• You may be prompted to "Go to My Info" if you need to add additional information
• Submit your payment information and you will be able to print your tax returns

Note, you must pay by credit card in order print or preview your preliminary return.  You will not be able to pay using your federal tax return.