Can you explain what is Tentative tax?

[DoninGA]

Where are you seeing this in the TurboTax program?

[Danny367]

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

[DawnC]

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 

[Danny367]

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?

[Danny367]

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. 

[DawnC]

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