Why am I getting a retirement savings contribution credit? it is costing me more than it saves me.

[onemorethan0]

The contribution credit gives me 12$ but then requires me to pay 40$ to file. Seems like a waste I'd rather just not get the tax break

[ThomasM125]

The retirement savings contribution credit is normally the result of an entry in box 12 of your W-2 form for code D "elective deferrals to section 401-K". It is based on your contribution to a retirement account.

You could leave that input out of your W-2 entry and it may resolve your issue.

You may need to delete form 8880 after you update the W-2 entry as follows:

1. Tax tools (on the left menu bar)
2. Tools
3. Delete a form

Find form 8880 in the list and delete the form.

[Opus 17]

If your income is less than $36,000 you can use the IRS free file version, which includes this form and all others for no added cost.

https://freefile.intuit.com

You will need to make a new account and start over, since this is a separate web site.