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I found my answer. And here I am explaining with examples for others like me who DO NOT understand the technical lingo used by tax professionals.    There are two things: 1. Child Tax Credit = This is the minimum of two numbers $2000  and  "The federal taxes you owe" 2. Additional Tax Credit = The minimum of two numbers $1700 and ($2000 minus the Child tax credit you receive)      Example A:  If my federal tax = $2500. And I have one dependent child who meets the criteria, 1. Child tax credit that I receive = $2000  2. Additional Child Tax Credit = 0   Example B: If my federal tax = $100. And I have one dependent child who meets the criteria, 1. Child tax credit = $100 2. Additional Child Tax credit = 1700   Hope this helps. 

Hi dmertz, I was finally able to get to the form and it looks like TT put in adjustment to net earnings of the same amount as my 1099 which doubled my basis for the calculation - this was in Part II Q 1b - Enter any non-farm adjustment to non-farm net earnings for use in the calculation of maximum deductible contribution. Do you know why this would be? And should I just remove that amount?

Yes, with an online account you can only do one return per account. Any further ones would need to create their own account.  However if it's for your kids they probably would qualify for a free account, but be careful about that because it could be tricky qualifying. However if you have the desktop/download version you can do an unlimited number of returns but can only e-file 5 returns.

It depends. Are your parents claiming you or are you claiming yourself? Parents claiming - determine how much tuition they are using and what you need to claim. Parents not claiming -   If your box 5/ stipends equals or less than box 1. No need to report unless you are filing for the education credit. If box 5/ stipends  greater than box 1, you have income that needs to be accounted for or taxed. You may have to add your stipend to box 5 to account for it. See What You Need to Know about AOTC and LLC to determine if you qualify for an education credit. Next, check to see if your stipend is restricted to tuition or can be used for room and board. If it can, you can move numbers around to get the Lifetime Learning Credit.  For example: Box 1 $25k and box 5 is $40k. You need $10k for tuition, this leaves $15k available to be covered by scholarships. $40k scholarships used $15k for tuition, then remainder, $25k went to room and board. Check form 8863 for education credits. Adjust numbers for room and board to maximize your refund. This is allowed. The IRS has a great brochure that explains how scholarships and tax credits interact.