What do the distribution codes in Box 7 of my 1099-R mean?

Code

Definition

1

Early distribution, no known exception (in most cases, under age 59½).

2

Early distribution, exception applies (under age 59½).

3

4

Death – regardless of the age of the employee/taxpayer to indicate to a decedent’s beneficiary, including an estate or trust. Also used for death benefit payments made by an employer but not made as part of a pension, profit-sharing, or retirement plan.

5

Prohibited Transaction - this generally means the account is no longer an IRA.

6

Section 1035 exchange (a tax-free exchange of life insurance, annuity, qualified long-term care insurance, or endowment contracts).

7

Normal distribution

8

Excess contributions plus earnings/excess deferrals (and/or earnings) taxable in 2024.

9

Cost of current life insurance protection.

A

May be eligible for 10-year tax option (See Form 4972).

B

Designated Roth account distribution.  NOTE: If code B is in box 7 and an amount is reported in box 10, see the instructions for Form 5329.

C

Reportable death benefits under section 6050Y.

D

Annuity payments from nonqualified annuities that may be subject to tax under section 1411.

E

Distributions under Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS).

F

Charitable gift annuity.

G

Direct rollover of a distribution to a qualified plan, a section 403(b) plan, a governmental section 457(b) plan, or an IRA.

H

Direct rollover of a designated Roth account distribution to a Roth IRA.

J

Early distribution from a Roth IRA, no known exception (in most cases, under age 59½)

K

Distribution of traditional IRA assets not having a readily available FMV (fair market value).

L

Loans treated as distributions under section 72(p).

M

Qualified plan loan offset.

N

Recharacterized IRA contribution made for 2024.

P

Excess contributions plus earnings/excess deferrals (and/or earnings) taxable in 2023

Q

Qualified distribution from a Roth IRA.

R

Recharacterized IRA contribution made for 2023.

S

Early distribution from a SIMPLE IRA in first 2 years, no known exception (under age 59½).

T

Roth IRA distribution, exception applies.

U

Dividend distribution from ESOP under section 404(k). NOTE: This distribution isn't eligible for rollover.

W

Charges or payment for purchasing qualified long-term care insurance contracts under combined arrangements.