topic Can you explain what is Tentative tax? in Deductions & credits

Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

Maxblock88 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:39:30 GMT

Re: Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

DoninGA — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 02:26:49 GMT

Where are you seeing this in the TurboTax program?

Re: Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

Danny367 — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:24:07 GMT

it's in the Tax Summary window you can open under Window menu item.

Re: Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

DawnC — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:43:45 GMT

Tentative tax on the Tax Summary just means regular tax liability OR the amount of taxes owed for any tax period before the application of credits. @Danny367

Re: Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

Danny367 — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:52:58 GMT

but how is it calculated? I've created 2 identical returns (solving another problem) and all values in the tax summary window are the same except for tentative tax? how do I get to the root of this?

Re: Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

Danny367 — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:57:12 GMT

for example, taxable income is the same for both in the tax summary window but the tentative tax and then the total tax are different. total credits are the same and other taxes are the same. just tentative tax and total tax are different.

Re: Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

DawnC — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 00:20:28 GMT

Look at lines 16-24 on Form 1040. And also look at the Tax History report. Tentative doesn't include credits and Other Taxes, Schedule 2 is separated out. Did either return have any Alternative Minimum Tax? @Danny367