An 83-year old retiree came across great difficulty obtaining her 1099-R tax form from an annuity provider each year. We solved the problem.

Fleurette, an 83-year old retiree, came across great difficulty obtaining her 1099-R tax form from an annuity provider each year.

In previous years she had to wait hours on the phone, confused about what exactly she needed to obtain and why it had to be so difficult. 

Nor did she know how to download it from the online portal of the provider; modern technology was difficult for her to learn. 

I found a simple solution for her - she signed a tax info authorization form, which allowed me to see her Wage & Income transcripts, obtained directly from the IRS. The 1099-R form was right there, as expected.

If you have difficulty obtaining your tax documents, know that there is an alternative solution to calling uncooperative companies to send you the form. 

If you're technologically adept, you can open an IRS online account and download your wage & income transcripts yourself.

Keep in mind that if state info was expected on the form as well, a separate authorization for the state will be necessary.