Aha I found the answer, and no , one doesn't need a math whiz.
In the turbotax 8615 QDCG worksheet line 8 where it says
Enter $39,375 if single, etc. What it should have said is
enter that or $2650 + (Form 8615 line 6), whichever is smaller.
Thank you very much for nobody telling me this.
I finally found this on page 3, top right of https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8615.pdf
where I quote "Add Form 8615, line 6, and $2,650. Enter the smaller of the result and the amount listed below for your filing status"
so it's official, you are allowed to take out another $1100 besides the $2650 meaning you can have
$3750 of qualified dividends before paying tax.
The new law optional this year and required next year , hailed as a great thing, will be a bummer for a kid who just has a few qualified dividends next year it seems.
