Why is it saying I have to file a 1040 because I have Schedule 3 nonrefundable credits when I do not?

[JulieCo]

It depends. 

Schedule 3 is a brand new form for 2018, so it did not exist last year.  The IRS completely revised the 1040 form for 2018 and made it much shorter.  The line items that used to be reported on the 1040 are now on up to six different schedules (Schedules 1 to 6).

Schedule 3 is where non-refundable credits of foreign taxes, child and dependent care expenses, education credits, retirement savings credits, and residential energy credits are reported.  If you have any of these credits to be included on your 1040 form as a reduction of your taxes, then you will need to have Schedule 3 included with your return.

Schedule 3