How do I correct the Form 2441 line 14 amount within the program? I entered the wrong amount and now cant change it

[BillM223]

The dynamic nature of the input screens sometimes makes it impossible to return to the screen where you want to make a change.

In your case, I think you may have to delete all the 2441 information and start over.

Do you have an entry in Box 10 on your W-2? If so you will need to delete your W-2 before you can delete the 2441(below) because so long as that Box 10 entry is present, the 2441 can't be deleted.

To delete your W-2 and 2441, please do the following:

If you have an entry in Box 10 on your W-2:

   1. make a copy of your W-2(s) (if you don't have the paper copies)

   2. delete your W-2(s) (use the garbage can icon next to the W-2(s) on the Income screen

*** Desktop***

3. Now, go to View (at the top), choose Forms, and select the 2441. Note the Delete Form button at the bottom of the screen.

*** Online ***

3. go to Tax Tools (on the left), and navigate to Tools->Delete a form

4. delete form(s) 2441 

5. go back and re-add your W-2(s) if necessary, preferably adding them manually

6. continue with your Child and Dependent Care expenses.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I tried these steps, but TurboTax (Desktop) never asks me for my child care expenses, so my form 2441 is missing that. It's causing my FSA amount to count as taxable benefits. Any idea how to input my child care provider and expenses?

(When I run the "Child and Dependent Care Credit" section, it just says I don't qualify because of my income. It never asks what my expense were.)

[ErnieS0]

If you are using TurboTax CD/Download, you can enter an amount directly on line 14 of Form 2441.

1. Tap Forms in the upper right
2. In the left column (Forms in My Return) select Form 2441.
3. Enter the amount in line 14.
4. Tap Step-by-Step in the upper right where Forms used to be to return to the interview mode. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the suggestion, but unfortunately that isn't working for me. I was able to input values in part 1 of the form, but no other parts of the form allow any input. It identifies and error on line 2d and says I should be able to correct it by going to Deductions and Credits, but that section just says I "don't qualify of this credit" and never lets me input my expenses.

[xmasbaby0]

@Anonymous Sometimes users have trouble with the childcare credit because they are trying to put in the credit before they enter their income.   Have you entered your income?

You will not get the childcare credit until (unless) you enter income earned from working.   The credit does not work unless you enter your income first.   If you are filing a joint return you must show income for both spouses, or show that one or both of you was a student or disabled.   If you have self-employment income and show a loss you will not get the childcare credit.  You will not get the credit if you are filing married filing separately.  

If you have entered all of your income and you have entered your dependent(s) then work on the childcare credit by entering the Tax ID or Social Security number of your childcare provider and enter the amount you paid for the childcare.

One of the most common mistakes that messes up the childcare credit for people is listing all of the earned income under only one name on a joint return.  Make very sure that your incomes are listed under each of your names.  It’s pretty easy to check.  Go to the Income section, and click “update” on Wages and Salary.  That will take you to the W-2 Summary.  Do you see income listed under both of your names? 

 The person receiving the care had to be 12 or under or qualified as mentally or physically disabled. To claim the childcare credit you need to be filing as Head of Household or Married Filing Jointly. (NOT married filing separately)

 If your child was born in 2022 make sure you say the child lived with you all year. The credit is a percentage of your expenses based on your AGI (the higher the income, the lower the percentage)  You must provide the Social Security number for each child you are claiming, and the Social Security number or Tax ID for each care provider. 

In the case of divorced or never-married parents—only the custodial parent can use the childcare credit.

And remember that the childcare credit is a NON-refundable credit.  It can reduce your tax owed down to zero, but it is not added to your refund.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900643-what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit

[Anonymous]

OK, I solved my problem. It was because I didn't qualify because I hadn't entered my wife's income yet. After I entered her income, I was able to add the child care expenses in the Easy Guide and it correctly shows up on my 2441.