Do we have to fill out 8812?

[Mike9241]

Why would you want to skip it and miss out on tax credits some of which might be refundable?  Omission could actually delay a refund if you list any dependents on your return for any purpose. Nothing in the tax laws requires you to claim a qualifying dependent so if not claiming them doesn't affect your taxes, then you can file and not list them. 

The 8812 is used to claim the child tax credit (generally nonrefundable), additional child tax credit (may be partially refundable), and credit for other dependents (nonrefundable). it you don't list dependents and you are entitled to the earned income credit; the amount may be limited. 

[xmasbaby0]

Not sure why you are asking if you "have" to complete 8812.   If you have entered a dependent child and are eligible for the child tax credit/additional child tax credit, the credit will be added automatically to your tax return.  The credits will be on lines 19 and 28.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900923-what-is-the-child-tax-credit

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/additional-child-tax-credit/L6x...

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/does-my-childdependent-qualify-for-the-child-tax-credit-or-the-credit-f...

Look at your 2023 Form 1040 to see the child-related credits you received

PREVIEW 1040

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

Child Tax Credit line 19

Credit for Other Dependents line 19

Earned Income Credit line 27

Additional Child Tax Credit line 28

[rjs]

"Do we have to fill out 8812?"

You don't have to fill out Schedule 8812 yourself. TurboTax will fill it out for you automatically.

If you want to get the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, or Credit for Other Dependents, then Schedule 8812 has to be included in your tax return.