What is the primary purpose of the 1099-R tax form?

The primary purpose of the 1099-R tax form is indeed to report distributions from pensions and retirement plans. This form is issued by retirement plan administrators to individuals who receive distributions from retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and pensions. The information provided on the 1099-R form includes the total distribution amount, the taxable amount, any federal income tax withheld, and the type of distribution, making it essential for individuals when preparing their income tax returns.

This form is specifically designed to capture the financial activities related to retirement funds, ensuring that individuals report their income correctly and comply with tax regulations concerning retirement distributions. The other options pertain to different types of income or financial activities, such as employment wages, mortgage interest payments, and capital gains, which are reported on separate forms and do not fall under the scope of the 1099-R.