Check this box to file Form 1116 even if not required not working

[msdsmith]

Info Wks includes a checkbox "Check this box to file Form 1116 even if you're not required to file Form 1116".

I have checked this box. Form 1116 appears in the forms view but is not included when I try to print "forms to review or keep for your records" which I understand to mean that the form is not being filed.

- using Turbotax Deluxe desktop version

- Foreign taxes paid in 2025: $493

- Married filing separately

- I will not use the foreign tax credit to reduce taxes in 2025 but a carryover amount is generated and this needs to be filed with the IRS

[DianeW777]

The information is being filed however you can try the following techniques to include the form in your tax file. 

To add a Form 1116 foreign tax credit carryover in TurboTax (TTLC), navigate to Deductions & Credits > Estimates and Other Taxes Paid > Foreign Taxes. Select "Yes" to "Foreign Tax Credit Carryovers" and enter the amounts or double check the amount from the prior year's 1116. TurboTax does not automatically apply these; you must manually enter them, usually starting with the oldest year first, up to the 10th preceding year.

If your form doesn't seem to stay with our return you can try the process below.

It depends. If TurboTax Online may be limiting Form 1116 because your foreign tax paid was less than $600 (married filing jointly) on your dividends. This may help so that you can finish Form 1116 to include all of the foreign tax credit form.

1. Edit  a 1099-DIV to have foreign taxes over $600. 
2. Next go through the full dialog for form 1116 to enter the gain ....
3. Finally, edit the 1099-DIV again to correct the foreign tax paid amount. 
4. This should keep all the values on Form 1116.
   • Where do I enter a foreign tax credit or deduction (Form 1116)?
   • Claiming the Foreign Tax Credit

Please update here with details if you have more questions and we will help. 

[msdsmith]

@DianeW777 I tried adding a second 1099 to bring the amount over $600 but the Form 1116 is still not included when I go to print a copy of the return.

In my case, since it's MFS, the limit should be $300 so that should not be the issue.

[msdsmith]

@DianeW777 when you say 'the information is being filed' what does that mean?

[DianeW777]

It was a reference to the information you provided about the foreign taxes being included even though the form wasn't present at printing. You can add the Form 1116 in TurboTax Desktop. This would be best since the form is required based on the foreign tax credit rules and your filing status.

There's also an option to mail your return and include the Form 1116. When you are in Forms and looking at Form 1116 you should see an option at the bottom to print that form. 

@msdsmith 

[msdsmith]

@DianeW777 

"You can add the Form 1116 in TurboTax Desktop."

This is what I would like to do but at the moment does not work.

[PatriciaV]

You might try these tips from Expert AmyC:

If you are not using a foreign tax credit for the current year, and you have carryforward, Form 1116 is not required. The IRS holds the information for the 10-year carryforward period. 

However, if you have FTC carryovers to report and need to force Form 1116 to file, follow these steps:

1. Go to Federal > Deductions & Credits.
2. Scroll down to Estimates and Other Taxes Paid and click Start/Revisit next to Foreign Taxes.
3. Answer Yes to "Did you pay any foreign taxes?" (Answer yes even if you only have a carryforward from a previous year).
4. When asked if you want the deduction or the credit, select Take a Credit.
5. Continue through the interview screens. Eventually, you will reach a screen titled "Do you have any Foreign Tax Credit Carryovers?"
6. Select Yes. You will then see a grid where you can enter the Foreign Taxes paid in prior years and the Amount Used in previous returns. The difference is what TurboTax will carry forward.

Troubleshooting:

If the software won't generate it, you can add a "dummy" entry of $1 in foreign interest/tax and then remove it before filing to see if the carryover screen triggers. Usually, simply completing the "Foreign Taxes" section under Deductions & Credits is enough.