Smart Check error in Schedule C

[WS57]

On my Schedule C, I entered my business mileage as zero. In that section, TT indicates that "if you did not drive any business miles, enter 0". When I ran Smart Check, it reports the 0 as an error that needs to be fixed. Suggestions regarding how to fix so Smart Check doesn't call it out as an error?

[PatriciaV]

If you didn't use the vehicle for business purposes during the year but plan on using it again in the future, enter zero for all mileage questions, including total mileage for the year and commuting miles. In other words, all mileage boxes should have zeroes.

If you converted the vehicle to personal use and don't plan on using it again in the future for your business, you should report that you stopped using it for business. Look for a checkbox at the bottom of the vehicle information page. After you check the box, enter the date you stopped using it in the drop-down box. If you're later asked for sale information, leave those boxes blank. Refer to the blue Learn More links in TurboTax if you need additional help.

[WS57]

I do plan on using the vehicle for business incoming years. But because i didn’t use it for business in 2022, I did enter all zeros into each box; so all boxes contain 0.  That is the problem, smart check is saying mileage can’t be zero.

[AliciaP1]

I cannot recreate this situation in a test file.  It would be helpful to have a TurboTax ".tax2022" file that is experiencing this issue.

You can send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information.  If you would like to do this, here are the instructions: 

In TurboTax Online, go to the black panel on the left side of your program and select Tax Tools. 

1. Then select Tools below Tax Tools. 
2. A window will pop up which says Tools Center.  
3. On this screen, select Share my file with Agent. 
4. You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is.  Click okay through this screen and then you will get a Token number. 

In TurboTax CD/Download versions, go to the black panel on the top of your screen and select Online. 

1. Scroll down to and select Send tax file to Agent. 
2. You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is.  Click send through this screen and then you will get a Token number. 

Reply to this thread with your Token number. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.   

We will then be able to see exactly what you are seeing and we can determine what exactly is going on in your return and provide you with a resolution.

@WS57   

[WS57]

Token is 1089681.

I have two businesses in the Schedule C section. The one in question is "Voice Overs".

Thanks,

Bill

[AliciaP1]

You entered your odometer readings so TurboTax sees you drove the car and is trying to match that against the business miles since you wouldn't report non-deductible miles if there weren't any business miles to deduct.  You need to change the entries to "I'll enter the total miles I drove for the year" and then enter 0 for all the miles.

To do this in TurboTax Home & Business you can follow these steps:

1. Within your tax return click on the  Business tab and Business Income and Expenses under that
2. Select I'll choose what I work on
3. Click Update for Profit or Loss from Business
4. Click Edit on the line of work you want to update
5. Scroll down to Business Vehicle Expense and click Update
6. Click Edit for the vehicle you need to change
7. Click Continue through the vehicle details until you get to the How do you want to enter your mileage for your XXX screen
8. Enter 0 for Total miles driven for all purposes:, Miles driven from 1/1/2022 to 6/30/2022:, and Miles driven from 7/1/2022 to 12/31/2022 boxes
9. Continue and answer questions for the vehicle until you get back to the Vehicle Summary screen
10. Click Done and proceed entering/reviewing your return

@WS57 

[WS57]

Under #8 in your response, TT will not let me enter 0 for total miles driven for all purposes. I am unable to delete or change the current entry.

[ThomasM125]

You need to indicate that you stopped using the vehicle for business if you didn't use it in the current year. If you use it in future years, you can re-enter it in the year put back into use. The cost would be the depreciated value or fair market value,  whichever is less.

[lex1125atgmail]

I have the same issue.  I began using my vehicle for business After 6/1/22 and indicated that in the mileage interview.

In the Final Review, TT gives me the following prompt:

Business Miles [ 0 ]  <--- cant change the amount in this box even though it is showing '0' and the actual from appears to also be un-editable.

Check This Entry

Car and truck worksheet. Business miles should be blank.  This vehicle was places in service after 6/1/22.

Business miles

TT will not let me edit this number (although it IS 0).

Please help!  Software will not let me E-file unless I fix this error.

[AnnetteB6]

Since you started using the vehicle for business purposes after 6/30/2022, then the first box for business miles should be left blank (not even a  zero) because it is reporting business miles from 1/1 through 6/30.  If the vehicle was placed in service after 6/30/2022, then all business miles should be entered in the second box with the date 7/1 through 12/31.

To clear the error message, try going back to the Schedule C section where you entered the vehicle expenses.  Delete the zero in the box for miles driven for business in the first half of the year.  

@lex1125atgmail 

[lex1125atgmail]

Wow. that was the issue thank you.  i will say that's a bit confusing, not sure who designed that page/prompt/error message, but it really should be more helfpul...something like (blank and NOT zero).

Thanks again for the quick response!

Alex