It depends. @AmyC mentions the possible reason is that any scholarship or grant money (Box 5 of Form 1098-T) that exceeds the amount of tuition (Box 1) is considered taxable unearned income. If you entered a 1098-T where Box 5 is even $1 higher than Box 1, TurboTax automatically flags that excess as unearned income. If that excess plus her dividends totals more than $2700, Form 8615 is generated. This is a common "gotcha" that many people do not realize.
Review the 1098-T entry. If she used that "excess" scholarship money for required books, equipment, or supplies, you can enter those expenses to reduce the taxable scholarship amount. If the taxable scholarship amount drops, Form 8615 may disappear.
If Form 8615 is required because of the scholarship income, you can go to the forms mode on your return. Locate Form 8615 then enter the parent information, SSN, and filing status in Boxes A-C at the top of the form. Be sure to place a checkmark stating your child meets all the qualifications listed for the form.
Also, check your forms. If there is a 1099Q or worksheets associated with it, delete these.
[ Edited 02/25/2026 I 12:17pm PST]
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