Unknown 2a. Taxable Amount for Form 1099-R, Statement of Survivor Annuity Paid

I'm sorry for your loss. I think you may be referring to line 2(a) on a form 1099-R which is where the taxable amount of a pension plan distribution would be listed. It is often left blank even though the distribution is taxable. If the distribution came from a pension plan that had contributions from wage income that was not taxed (a 401-K plan or similar company pension plan), then the distributions would normally be taxable. If the distributions came from a traditional IRA that had contributions that were deducted on your tax return when made, then the distributions would be taxable. In either of these cases, the amount in box 1 would normally be the taxable amount.