@lac528 @taxuser23459873245 I was able to successfully claim the credit and e-file. My return was accepted. I never indicated that I had any employees or start-up costs. I would be concerned, even if later going back to zero out those values, that TT would erroneously continue to include those forms in the filing (seen this issue before in other situations with TT). Ultimately I followed the simple procedure that I outlined further up this thread by adding 8881 in forms view. @taxuser23459873245 thank you for posting that video, it confirms that my forms 8881, 3800 and Schedule 3 all look good. I even talked to George by email and he confirmed that other clients filed last year by filling out the form in forms view, but never referenced that video, good find! Good luck everyone, I will be crossing my fingers that freetaxUSA implements this credit for next year after this fiasco of no support from TT.
This is what worked for me, YMMV: 'In forms view, Use "Open Forms" to add form 8881 to your return. Put zero in Part I line 7. Check 'Yes' in Part II under "Credit for Auto Enrollment Smart Worksheet". $500 Credit appears in lines 9 & 11 as well as on Form 3800 Pt 3 lines dd, 2 & 6. '
