Do I need more information from a client that has a Form 1099-R with a code J in box 7 with no other information?

[Small town]

What does an amount in box 14 of Form W-2 labeled "Retirement" mean? Is this a contribution to a Roth 401(k) and would/could it be the basis for a early distribution on the Form 1099-R with code J in box 7?

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

ROTH contributions are shown on box 12 with a code AA or BB. That one in Box 14 is probably some type of employer plan, the client isnt deferring or contributing their own money into it.

[Small town]

How do I find the basis of a early distribution on a Form 1099-R with a code J in box 7 with no other information? Do I need to ask the client for more information? 

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

yes, the client needs to pull up their bank records for that ROTH account and see what contributions were made and when.

[qbteachmt]

The 1099-R will have a box checkmarked for the type of retirement account this was distributed from. And look at the issuer name on the 1099-R, to see if that is the same as the employer plan account manager.

Only your client can tell you if they participate in Roth 401(k), 401(k), both. Example: it is possible your taxpayer contributes post-tax deductions to Roth 401(k) and the employer puts the match into the 401(k), because they are not allowed to put that into the Roth 401(k).

[taxes96786]

Might find your answer in 1040 IRS instructions