Tax season is right around the corner

4-minute read

What is a 1099-R? How do I update my address? Do I need a 1095-B?

Tax season starts in just a few weeks. Here are a few reminders to keep in mind as the year ends.

What should I expect in the mail?

ERS will mail your Form 1099-R by Jan. 31 and you should receive yours in the mail by early February. If you’re an early bird tax-filer and don’t want to wait, you can view it sooner in your ERS OnLine account starting Jan. 15.

What is a Form 1099-R?

Form 1099-R shows distributions (gross earnings) from your annuity and the taxes that were withheld in 2024.
To view or print your form, log in to your ERS OnLine account. Look for “My Payroll Information” on the Retiree homepage, and click “1099-R Summary.” You can also access your 1099-R forms from the past three years.

What if I don’t have an ERS OnLine account?

If you didn’t register for your ERS OnLine account before you retired or within 90 days after your retirement, call ERS at (866) 399-6908 (TTY: 711).

If you moved in 2024, let us know!

Make sure you update your mailing address by Dec. 31 to ensure we send your 1099-R form to the right place. If you don’t get a copy of your Form 1099-R by Feb. 15, print one from your ERS OnLine account or request one from ERS.

Why did I get two 1099-Rs?

If you retired in 2024 and opted for a partial lump-sum payment in addition to your monthly payment, you will get two 1099-R statements. If you are retired from another system, contact that system directly with questions about tax forms.

Federal tax withholdings could change your annuity in 2025

Federal tax withholding tables can change every calendar year, depending on action by Congress and/or the IRS. ERS is required to implement the IRS’ changes to the tax withholding tables. If your annuity amount changes in 2025, check the tax withholdings. ERS cannot provide tax advice but a tax advisor can help you make decisions about your tax withholding.

What is Form 1095-B?

Form 1095-B contains information to prove that you (and any covered dependents) had medical coverage in 2024. If you want a copy of your Form 1095-B to keep with your tax or insurance records, you can get one from your health plan.

• HealthSelect^SM of Texas plan participants: If you participated in HealthSelect of Texas or Consumer Directed HealthSelect^SM in 2024 and were not enrolled in Medicare, you can get a copy of Form 1095-B online through your Blue Access for Members^SM account. Or, a paper copy may be mailed to you by calling Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711). (Please note: All covered dependents will be included on one form; your Blue Access for Members account will not show a separate form for each of your dependents.)

• Medicare enrollees: If you are 65 or older and were covered by at least Medicare Part A for the entire calendar year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will provide the IRS with proof of your medical coverage. If you enrolled in Medicare for the first time, you had Medicare Part A for only part of the year, or you are under age 65 with Medicare, CMS will send you a copy of Form 1095-B. If you want a copy of Form 1095-B from Medicare, call (800)-MEDICARE or (800) 633-4227 (TTY: (877) 486-2048).

Questions?

Find FAQs about Form 1095-B, Form 1099-R and federal tax withholding on monthly annuity payments.