multiple 8881s?

[8881questioner]

I want to claim the "Small Employer Auto-Enrollment Credit" for both my business and my spouses (separate) business. Do I need to submit two 8881s or somehow type $1000 into line 9 instead of $500?

[PatriciaV]

According to the IRS Instructions for Form 8881, the Small Employer Auto-Enrollment Credit is $500 for the first tax year that an eligible employer first includes an eligible automatic contribution arrangement (as defined in section 414(w)(3)) in a qualified employer plan. 

Based on this definition, each business would submit Form 8881 in order to claim the credit for that business. TurboTax automatically enters $500 on Line 9 if you check the Yes box to indicate an auto-enrollment option was provided. You cannot override that amount.

[8881questioner]

Thanks! Any guesses how to force Turbotax to generate a second 8881?

[DaveF1006]

To clarify, what version of TurboTax are you using? Online or desktop?

[8881questioner]

Desktop Premier on Mac

[DaveF1006]

This is the most reliable way to create a second Form 8881 on a Mac.

1. Click the Forms icon in the top right to enter Forms Mode.
2. Look at the list of forms on the left. If you already have one Form 8881, it will be listed there.
3. Go to the top menu bar (outside the TurboTax window, the Apple menu bar) and select Forms > Open Form.
4. In the search box, type 8881.
5. When you select it, TurboTax should ask if you want to create a "New Copy". Select this.
6. You can then name the copies (e.g., "His Business" and "Her Business") to keep your records clear.