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Form 1099-R FAQ

Form 1099-R is the Internal Revenue Service form reporting a taxpayer’s distributions from pensions, annuities, IRAs, insurance contracts, profit-sharing plans and/or retirement plans (including section 457 state and local government plans).

Reading your Form 1099-R

Which payments are included on my Form 1099-R? 

Your Form 1099-R includes payments issued from January 1 through December 31.

The payment issued January 1 for the month of December of the prior year will be included on the Form 1099-R for the year the payment was issued.

What are Nontaxable Contributions (box 5)? 

The Pension and Annuity Income IRS publication provides detailed information on nontaxable contributions.

Why did the value in box 7 change from prior years? 

Generally, the box 7 value is defaulted to “7” for most benefit types. However, depending on the member’s individual circumstances, the distributions may have been coded differently. Refer to the following distribution codes for more detail:

1 – Early distribution, no known exception
2 – Early distribution, exception applies
3 – Disability
4 – Payment to beneficiary or beneficiaries based upon death of an active or retired CalSTRS member
7 – Normal distribution
G – Direct rollover

What is the Percentage of Total Distribution (box 9a)? 

If a total distribution was made to more than one person, the percentage you received is shown.

What are the Total Employee Contributions (box 9b)? 

Amount of previously taxed contributions remaining after the Simplified Method exclusion.

Other questions

Why do I have more than one Form 1099-R? 

CalSTRS issues a separate form for each type of benefit disbursed. Service Retirement and Disability Allowance (Coverage A) are examples of benefit types. View an example of the form.

Is my income tax return affected if I was overpaid a benefit and have a repayment plan? 

If repayments were received in 2024 for an overpayment in 2024, the amount collected is factored into the calculation of your box 1 and box 2a on your 2024 Form 1099-R. Repayment is a payment made from the funds of the benefit recipient made to CalSTRS, usually via check.

Repayments received in 2024 for overpayments in year(s) prior to 2024 are not reflected on your 2024 Form 1099-R. We are unable to change your prior year Form 1099-R per IRS regulations.

CalSTRS sends an acknowledgment letter for the total repayment amount of $3,000.00 or more received in 2024 for prior year overpayment(s).

Please note: the tax treatment of these repayments was changed due to federal tax legislation passed in 2017, which became effective in 2018.

  • You may be entitled to recover taxes you paid.
  • Consult a tax professional to use the letter when filing your tax return.
Why are insurance and court-ordered deductions not included on Form 1099-R? 

These deductions are not required by the IRS. Check your payment stubs for deduction details.

Why does my Form 1099-R I received in the mail look different from prior years? 

Form 1099-R is no longer printed and mailed in a pressure sealed envelope. Your Form 1099-R is now printed on plain paper and mailed in a 6” x 9.5” envelope with the same copies B and C printed on a single page with instructions on the back. This change is due to supply chain limitations related to procurement of paper stock.

When to contact CalSTRS

What do I do if I have not received my Form 1099-R in the mail or need a duplicate copy? 

You may view and print your Form 1099-Rs for 2024 and prior tax years on myCalSTRS. Your 2024 Form 1099-R will be available online by January 31, 2025.

In addition, duplicate Form 1099-Rs can be requested in writing. All written requests must include your:

  • Name
  • Client ID or last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Tax year requested
  • Mailing address
  • Daytime phone number
  • Signature and signature date

Mail written requests to:

CalSTRS
P.O. Box 15275
Sacramento, CA 95851-0275

If you are looking to get a duplicate tax form for a member who is deceased, fill out the Request for Duplicate Tax Form of Decedent form and submit the appropriate documentation along with the request.

The Request for Duplicate Tax Form of Decedent form can be downloaded and printed from the CalSTRS website at CalSTRS.com/Forms.

How do I request to change my address? 
  • Contact the Customer Service Contact Center to speak to one of our agents, who will be able to update your address over the phone. To do so, you must provide a valid email address.
  • You may change your own address to mail your Form 1099-R online if you are a registered myCalSTRS user. You can register for myCalSTRS online.
  • The Address Change Request form can be submitted to CalSTRS using the DocuSign process on CalSTRS.com/fillable-member-forms.
  • You may also request to receive an Address Change Request form in the mail by sending a written request to CalSTRS, P.O. Box 15275, Sacramento, CA 95851-0275.
  • An Address Change Request form may also be requested by sending an online message via myCalSTRS or by calling the CalSTRS Customer Service Contact Center at 800-228-5453.

To receive your Form 1099-R in a timely manner, please ensure your address is current.