Sample form figures are for informational purposes only.

*Unique Control Number: a seven-digit control number, the first digit indicates the number of 1099-R forms you will receive from SERS.

Box 1 - Gross distribution: shows the total amount of benefits paid to you before taxes are calculated and deducted. Report the amount on Form 1040 or 1040A on the line for "IRA distributions" or "Pensions and annuities" or the line for "Taxable amount," whichever applies. However, if this is a lump-sum distribution, see Form 4972, Tax on Lump-Sum Distributions.

Box 2a - Taxable amount: shows the taxable amount of the total amount of benefits paid to you. Depending on your situation, a portion of the benefit paid to you may not be taxable and the amount in Box 2a will differ from the amount in Box 1. The difference between your gross pension listed in Box 1 and the taxable portion listed in Box 2a will be shown in Box 5 - Employee Contributions.

Box 2b - Taxable amount not determined: a check mark in this box indicates that SERS does not have enough information to determine the portion of your benefit that is taxable, and Box 2a should be blank. Contact the IRS or a professional tax advisor for assistance in determining this amount.

Box 2b - Total distribution: a check mark in this box indicates that the distribution was a total distribution that closed out the account.

Box 4 - Federal income tax withheld: shows the Federal Income Tax withheld from the gross distribution. You must include this amount on your income tax return as tax withheld, and if Box 4 shows an amount (other than zero), attach Copy B to your return.

Box 5 - Employee contributions: shows the Annuitant’s investment in the contract (after-tax contributions), if any, recovered tax free this tax year.

Box 7 - Dist. code: shows, by code, the type of distribution SERS made to you during the year. Distribution Codes are detailed on the back of Form 1099-R, Copy C and Copy 2.

Box 9a - Your total dist.: If a total distribution was made to more than one person, your percentage of the distribution is shown here. If the amount was a direct rollover, the percentage will be blank.

Box 9b - Total employee contributions: is filled in only if 2012 was your first year as a SERS Annuitant. It shows total employee contributions made to SERS that are excludable from Federal Income Tax.

 
Links to other sections of this guide:
Taxes on SERS Retirement Payments
How to Read Your 1099-R
SERS and IRS Contact Information
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Your SERS-Issued 1099-R
Duplicates of Form 1099-R