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posted Jun 3, 2019 1:36:21 PM

I need a copy of form 8812 for a financial assistance program I've applied for and there is not one included in my return.

I have two children on my return but can't find the form 8812 anywhere. We received the credit.

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 1:36:22 PM

It's Schedule 8812, not Form 8812. Maybe that's why you're not seeing it.

If you don't have Schedule 8812 in your tax return, it's because it wasn't needed. Schedule 8812 is not always needed for the Child Tax Credit. If your children have Social Security numbers and you are not claiming the Additional Child Tax Credit, Schedule 8812 is not used and is not included in your tax return. Schedule 8812 is only used if you are claiming the Child Tax Credit for a child who has an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, or if you are claiming the Additional Child Tax Credit.

Is the financial assistance that you are applying for from a college or university? Surprisingly, college financial aid people often don't really understand the tax laws, so they ask for things that don't make sense. You can show them the following "Tip" on page 1 of the IRS instructions for Schedule 8812.

"TIP  If all your children are identified by an SSN or an ATIN and you are not claiming the additional child tax credit, you do not need to complete any part of Schedule 8812."

(An ATIN is a temporary identification number for a child who is in the process of being adopted.)

You can download the Schedule 8812 instructions from the following link.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040s8.pdf

You can also show them that you did not claim the Additional Child Tax Credit. The Child Tax Credit is on Form 1040 line 52 or Form 1040A line 35. Note that these lines say "Attach Schedule 8812, if required." The Additional Child Tax Credit is on Form 1040 line 67 or Form 1040A line 43. (You cannot claim the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit on Form 1040EZ.)

1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 1:36:22 PM

It's Schedule 8812, not Form 8812. Maybe that's why you're not seeing it.

If you don't have Schedule 8812 in your tax return, it's because it wasn't needed. Schedule 8812 is not always needed for the Child Tax Credit. If your children have Social Security numbers and you are not claiming the Additional Child Tax Credit, Schedule 8812 is not used and is not included in your tax return. Schedule 8812 is only used if you are claiming the Child Tax Credit for a child who has an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, or if you are claiming the Additional Child Tax Credit.

Is the financial assistance that you are applying for from a college or university? Surprisingly, college financial aid people often don't really understand the tax laws, so they ask for things that don't make sense. You can show them the following "Tip" on page 1 of the IRS instructions for Schedule 8812.

"TIP  If all your children are identified by an SSN or an ATIN and you are not claiming the additional child tax credit, you do not need to complete any part of Schedule 8812."

(An ATIN is a temporary identification number for a child who is in the process of being adopted.)

You can download the Schedule 8812 instructions from the following link.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040s8.pdf

You can also show them that you did not claim the Additional Child Tax Credit. The Child Tax Credit is on Form 1040 line 52 or Form 1040A line 35. Note that these lines say "Attach Schedule 8812, if required." The Additional Child Tax Credit is on Form 1040 line 67 or Form 1040A line 43. (You cannot claim the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit on Form 1040EZ.)