What IRS Form 1099-R (2019) Is For
IRS Form 1099-R (2019) reports distributions of $10 or more from qualified retirement accounts, pensions, annuities, and profit-sharing plans. The form lists key details such as the gross distribution, taxable amount, and distribution code, all of which determine how the funds are taxed. It also applies to Roth IRA distributions, designated Roth account distributions, and other qualified plans, ensuring both taxpayers and the IRS accurately track withdrawals, rollovers, and any penalties related to early distributions.
When You’d Use IRS Form 1099-R (2019)
You’ll use this form whenever you take distributions or transfers from a qualified plan, IRA, or similar retirement account:
- Retirement or Pension Withdrawals: The form is issued when you receive periodic or lump-sum payments from pensions, annuities, or other qualified retirement plans.
- Roth IRA or Traditional IRA Distributions: The form reports Roth IRA distributions, traditional IRA withdrawals, or recharacterized IRA contributions that affect your taxable income.
- Direct Rollovers and Transfers: You’ll receive the form for direct rollovers, including those coded as “G direct rollovers,” or for qualified plan loan offsets when transferring retirement assets.
- Life Insurance and Annuity Contracts: It applies to distributions involving dividend distributions, reportable death benefits, or current life insurance protection under endowment contracts.
- Amended or Late Filings: You’ll use the form when correcting deemed distributions, excess contributions, or when filing an amended tax return after receiving an updated 1099-R.
Filing all unfiled individual returns ensures that every retirement or annuity distribution is reported and prevents IRS penalties.
Key Rules or Details for the 2019 Tax Year
The 2019 tax year established specific reporting standards for distributions from retirement accounts and qualified plans:
- Distribution Threshold: Financial institutions must issue Form 1099-R for any gross distribution of $10 or more from an eligible retirement plan, annuity, or pension account.
- Age and Early Distribution Rules: Distributions taken before age 59½ are generally subject to a 10 percent additional tax unless an exception applies, such as disability, medical expenses, or a qualified charitable distribution.
- Distribution Codes: Box 7 of the form includes distribution codes that identify whether the transaction is a normal distribution, early distribution, rollover, or reportable death benefit.
- Rollover and Loan Reporting: Code G is used for direct rollovers between eligible retirement plans. Plan loan offsets or loans treated as deemed distributions are reported separately.
- Roth and Traditional IRA Differences: Qualified Roth IRA distributions are tax-free if the age and holding requirements are met. At the same time, traditional IRA assets are subject to standard taxation rules based on contributions and deductions.
If you need expert help with IRS correspondence or resolving tax issues about your retirement income, consider appointing an IRS Power of Attorney for support.
Step-by-Step (High Level)
Follow these main steps to complete and report IRS Form 1099-R (2019) correctly:
- Receive and Review the Form: Confirm that your name, Social Security number, gross distribution, and distribution codes are correct and match your retirement account statements.
- Determine Distribution Type: Identify whether the payment is a normal distribution, qualified distribution, or early distribution with a known exception based on the code shown in Box 7.
- Locate the Correct Tax Return Lines: Report IRA distributions, annuity payments, and pension income on the appropriate lines of your tax return, distinguishing between gross and taxable amounts.
- Attach or Retain the Form: Attach Copy B to your paper tax return or keep it with your records if you file electronically, since the IRS already receives its own copy.
- Calculate Additional Taxes: Use Form 5329 to compute additional taxes on early distributions unless an exception applies based on your situation.
- Report Rollovers and Offsets: Include any direct rollovers or plan loan offsets on your tax return and specify if funds were re-deposited within 60 days to avoid double taxation.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Avoiding frequent errors when filing IRS Form 1099-R (2019) helps prevent unnecessary penalties or IRS notices:
- Failing to Report the Distribution: Always include the information from your 1099-R on your tax return since the IRS automatically receives the same form from your plan administrator.
- Incorrect Distribution Codes: Verify the accuracy of the distribution code shown in Box 7 before filing because incorrect codes can result in unnecessary early withdrawal penalties.
- Misreporting Rollovers: Ensure that direct rollovers are reported with a $0 taxable amount and that indirect rollovers are correctly identified to prevent double taxation.
- Omitting After-Tax Contributions: Calculate the taxable portion accurately when after-tax contributions or excess employer contributions exist, and use Form 8606 when applicable.
- Ignoring Roth IRA and Designated Roth Rules: Confirm that qualified Roth distributions meet holding and age requirements since unqualified distributions may become taxable.
- Forgetting State Taxes: Review your state’s rules since some states tax retirement income differently and may require separate reporting.
- Missing Required Minimum Distributions: Take required minimum distributions on time to avoid penalties and confirm that substantially equal periodic payments meet all compliance standards.
What Happens After You File
Once your tax return is submitted, the IRS compares the details from your Form 1099-R with the copy received from the payer to ensure accuracy. If a discrepancy exists, you may receive a CP2000 notice explaining the difference and proposing a correction. Respond promptly by reviewing your documentation or filing an amended return if needed.
Keep all forms, retirement plan records, and related insurance contracts for at least three years to support accurate reporting of qualified plan loans, direct rollovers, and reportable distributions. Understanding the IRS collection process can help you respond appropriately if you receive a notice or adjustment about your reported 1099-R distributions.
FAQs
How do SIMPLE IRA and SIMPLE IRA plan distributions differ from traditional IRA distributions?
A SIMPLE IRA or SIMPLE IRA plan distribution follows similar tax rules to a traditional IRA. Still, early withdrawals may face stricter penalties unless the funds are rolled into another eligible retirement plan or meet specific permissible withdrawal conditions.
How is the fair market value of retirement plan assets determined?
The fair market value represents the total worth of your retirement account, including employee contributions and any profit-sharing plans, as of year-end. It helps determine accurate reporting of traditional IRA assets, Roth IRAs, and annuity contracts on your Form 1099-R.
What if my distribution involves life insurance contracts or other forms of insurance protection?
Distributions related to life insurance contracts, current life insurance protection, or other insurance protection must be reported on Form 1099-R. The value of premiums, dividends, or reportable gains is typically taxable unless excluded under qualified plan rules.
Can a prohibited transaction affect my IRA or retirement plan?
Yes, engaging in a prohibited transaction, such as borrowing from your account or using IRA assets as security for a loan, can cause the plan to lose its tax-deferred status. Always review the plan loan rules to avoid having loans treated as taxable deemed distributions.
How do capital gain and endowment contract distributions apply to Form 1099-R?
Some nonqualified annuities, endowment contracts, and capital gain distributions may appear on Form 1099-R. These are usually taxable when paid out and must be included in your tax return, even when the funds come from combined arrangements or special insurance-based plans.
