I’m using the IRS online transcript and have the info, but Free Tax USA won’t let me move forward without the payer’s address and other details. It’s only a small amount, around $3500. Do I just leave it off and let them send me a notice later or amend the return when I get the info? Does the address even matter for this?
Can’t you find the company that gave you the 1099-R?
Zev said:
Can’t you find the company that gave you the 1099-R?
I found the company, but the address doesn’t match the info on the IRS transcript…
Zev said:
Can’t you find the company that gave you the 1099-R?
I found the company, but the address doesn’t match the info on the IRS transcript…
If the EIN is correct, the address isn’t super important. It’s mainly to help the IRS match your income. The EIN should take care of that.
@Kai
EIN? You mean the employer’s number? I’ve got that, but it doesn’t match anything on the IRS transcript. I found the 401k company’s EIN, but even that doesn’t match the transcript. The IRS doc says ‘FIN’ (federal identification number), but none of the names or addresses match what I have 
@Sage
Getting the correct EIN/FIN can be tricky. 401Ks are often handled by outside companies, and they’re the ones who send you the statements. If you can find the last few digits on the IRS transcript, you can confirm the number. Do you have an online account where you can check your 401k info? Sometimes you can download the 1099-R directly from there. If a big finance company manages it, it should be easy to find with a quick Google search.
@Kai
I can log into my employer’s site and get my W-2, but not the 1099-R. My 401k is with Alight, but that info doesn’t match the IRS transcript either. I’ll try calling Alight tomorrow. I made an account and can see my 401k, but there’s no tax document available.
@Sage
Sometimes 401k companies partner with other financial firms to manage their records. For instance, many use Fidelity. Call Alight and ask if they can point you to the right place to get your 1099-R.
@Kai
I Googled the IRS transcript details, and it led me to a company called ‘The Northern Trust Company’ with EIN 363046063. Does that sound right? The last four digits match the IRS, and the address starts the same. Should I enter it without dashes or include them?
@Sage
Have you checked your 401k with Alight directly? Here’s the link: https://www.alight.com/find-your-hr-website. Alight’s 401k platform is separate from your employer’s payroll site. You may need a separate login for that. Once you’re in, there should be a section for tax documents or statements where you can download your 1099-R.
@Jules
I did that, but when I check the tax section, it says documents are available in February every year. Still, I found EIN 363046063 linked to Northern Trust, which matches the IRS details. Does that sound like the right EIN to use?
@Sage
Could it be that the 401k manager is outsourced? Sometimes, the tax forms only come from them. You might have better luck searching for Northern Trust EIN or reaching out to them directly to verify.
What’s the best way forward if I can’t find the info? Should I leave it blank and let them adjust it later, or just use my employer’s EIN and address? I’ll try to call them for help, but I’m not sure what else to do.