How do I add the amount from line 11 of form 1040 onto line 7 of form 2441 if I have not finished the rest of my return to generate form 1040?

[anastasia714]

I have never had to complete this form before and have done nothing differently this year.  I have been asked to complete form 2441 and t asks for the amount from line 11 of form 1040.  Am I right in thinking that form 1040 is the completed return?  If so, how do I get info from the completed return if it hasn't been generated by TurboTax yet?

[xmasbaby0]

A 1040 is the tax return form you prepare here to send to the IRS.   If you start entering data in this software you are preparing a Form 1040.   Please look at it so you will know what you are sending to the IRS:

PREVIEW 1040

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

You will not get the childcare credit until (unless) you enter income earned from working.   The credit does not work unless you enter your income first.   If you are filing a joint return you must show income for both spouses, or show that one or both of you was a student or disabled.   If you have self-employment income and show a loss you will not get the childcare credit.  You will not get the credit if you are filing married filing separately.  

If you have entered all of your income and you have entered your dependent(s) then work on the childcare credit by entering the Tax ID or Social Security number of your childcare provider and enter the amount you paid for the childcare.

One of the most common mistakes that messes up the childcare credit for people is listing all of the earned income under only one name on a joint return.  Make very sure that your incomes are listed under each of your names.  It’s pretty easy to check.  Go to the Income section, and click “update” on Wages and Salary.  That will take you to the W-2 Summary.  Do you see income listed under both of your names? 

 The person receiving the care had to be 12 or under or qualified as mentally or physically disabled. To claim the childcare credit you need to be filing as Head of Household or Married Filing Jointly. (NOT married filing separately)

 If your child was born in 2023 make sure you say the child lived with you all year. The credit is a percentage of your expenses based on your AGI (the higher the income, the lower the percentage)  You must provide the Social Security number for each child you are claiming, and the Social Security number or Tax ID for each care provider. 

In the case of divorced or never-married parents—only the custodial parent can use the childcare credit.

And remember that the childcare credit is a NON-refundable credit.  It can reduce your tax owed down to zero, but it is not added to your refund.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900643-what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit