Form 1099-R - Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement Plans

Report distributions from pensions, annuities, IRAs, profit-sharing plans, insurance contracts, and survivor income benefit plans.

FIRE closes 19 November 2026

The IRS is retiring FIRE. It accepts information returns until 3 p.m. ET on 19 November 2026, and from 1 January 2027 IRIS is the only electronic channel - including for prior-year returns and corrections. New Transmitter Control Codes are no longer issued through FIRE, so a TCC application now has to go through IRIS.

IRS notice

What is Form 1099-R?

Form 1099-R is used to report distributions of $10 or more from retirement plans, pensions, annuities, IRAs, and insurance contracts. The distribution code in Box 7 is critical - it tells the IRS whether the distribution is taxable, an early withdrawal, a rollover, a Roth conversion, or another type.

Who Must File 1099-R?

  • 1Pension plan administrators
  • 2IRA custodians (banks, brokerages, mutual fund companies)
  • 3Insurance companies making annuity or endowment payments
  • 4Employers with profit-sharing or 401(k) plans
  • 5Government retirement systems (federal, state, military)

Filing threshold: $10

1099-R Filing Deadlines

Paper Filing

February 28

Electronic Filing

March 31

Recipient Copy

January 31

Penalties for Late or Incorrect Filing

$60-$310 per form depending on how late

2024 penalty tiers: $60/form (≤30 days late) → $130/form (31 days-Aug 1) → $310/form (after Aug 1) → $630/form (intentional disregard). Small business caps may apply.

1099-R Box-by-Box Guide

BoxDescription
Box 1Gross distribution
Box 2aTaxable amount
Box 4Federal income tax withheld
Box 7Distribution code(s) - identifies the type of distribution
Box 9bTotal employee contributions

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Direct IRS eFiling

File electronically through IRIS, or through FIRE until it closes on 19 November 2026. No paper, no postage, instant confirmation.

TIN Verification

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Corrections & Void

File corrections or void forms electronically - no manual IRS correspondence needed.

1099-R Frequently Asked Questions

What do the distribution codes in Box 7 mean?

Code 1 = early distribution (under 59½, 10% penalty), Code 2 = early exception applies, Code 3 = disability, Code 4 = death, Code 7 = normal distribution, Code G = direct rollover. There are 20+ codes - the code determines tax treatment.

Is a Roth IRA distribution taxable?

Qualified Roth IRA distributions (5-year rule met, age 59½+) are tax-free and reported with Code Q in Box 7. Non-qualified distributions may be partially taxable.

Do rollovers get a 1099-R?

Yes. Even though a direct rollover (Code G) is not taxable, the distributing institution must still issue a 1099-R to report the distribution.

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