Locate form 6251 from 2016. In the box labeled "simplified foreign tax credit election smart worksheet". If the simplified was elected, it will be so check marked.
Does not answer the question (the box mentioned in the answer does not appear to be present on the 6251 form).
Did you ever find the answer to this question?
The "recommended answer" did not answer my question (how can I tell if the simplified foreign tax credit election was used on prior returns). I was able to contact the tax accounting company that filed my prior returns, and they told me the answer (for my specific returns) in a reply email. They did not tell me where I could find this on any form from a prior return, so I am having to take them at their word.
@jansondh There is no 'easy' way to tell. You would need to do the calculations to figure out which way was used.