Do You Get a Tax Form for Your 401(k) in 2026?
This month, one of the most common questions we’re hearing is: “Do I get a tax form for my 401k in 2026?” It’s a great question — especially during tax season.
The short answer? It depends.
👉 You will receive a 1099 tax form (specifically a 1099-R) — only if you took money out of your 401(k) in 2025. If no money came out, no tax form is issued.
Let’s walk through what that means.
What Tax Form Do You Get From a 401(k)?
When people say “tax form,” they usually mean a document you need to file your taxes.
For example:
- If you have a job, you receive a W-2 tax form
- If you earn freelance income, you might receive a 1099-NEC
- If you take money out of a retirement account, you receive a 1099-R
So yes — a 1099-R is a tax form.
It reports money that came out of your retirement account.
What Is a 1099-R?
A 1099-R tax form is issued when you receive money from:
- A 401(k)
- A 403(b)
- A pension
- An IRA
The IRS requires that retirement plan providers send this form anytime funds are distributed from your account.
In simple terms:
If money leaves your 401(k), a tax form is created.
Will You Get a 1099-R in 2026?
You will receive a 1099-R in early 2026 only if you had a distribution in 2025.
That includes:
- A withdrawal or cash-out
- A rollover to another retirement account
- A loan default
- A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), if applicable
If you only contributed to your 401(k) in 2025:
❌ You will NOT receive a 1099-R.
Contributions alone do not generate a tax form.
When Does the 1099-R Tax Form Arrive?
If you had a distribution in 2025, your 1099-R should be available by January 31, 2026.
It may be:
- Mailed to your home
- Posted online through your retirement plan provider
You’ll use this tax form when preparing your federal (and possibly state) tax return.
Why the 1099 Tax Form Matters
Your 1099-R shows:
- The total amount distributed
- The taxable amount
- Any taxes withheld
- A distribution code explaining the type of withdrawal
This information helps determine whether you owe taxes — or already paid some through withholding.
Quick Take
Do you get a tax form for your 401k in 2026?
401(k) Tax Form Rules at a Glance:
| What Happened in 2025? | Will You Get a Tax Form in 2026? |
| You took money out of your 401(k) | Yes — You’ll receive a 1099-R |
| You only contributed to your 401(k) | No — No tax form is issued |
Form 1099-R reports retirement account distributions to you and the IRS.
Understanding how your 401(k) tax forms work can make tax season feel much less stressful.
If you have questions about your specific account, contact your retirement plan provider directly. For tax advice, speak with a qualified CPA or tax professional.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not tax advice. Always consult a tax professional regarding your individual situation.
