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Level 2
posted Feb 16, 2025 1:48:15 PM

Why Form 1116?

Turbotax, version Deluxe downloaded Windows, is having me fill out Form 1116, despite the fact that according to the IRS instructions it is not required (see below passive inc, on 1099 div, about $100). What makes this tedious and error prone is that the program has limited support for the forms, enters incorrect information in the form, leaves many required lines incomplete, and actually has me enter two different explanation forms to explain calculations the program made.  I have never had to fill out Form 1116, Is this just pressure to upgrade? I am not sure I am willing to e-file this return given other problems with the program (unnecessary forms, mis-entries that need corrections). It used to be possible to use the forms in deluxe version for more detailed returns,  but it seems that is ending.

 

From IRS requirements for 1116.

  • “All of your foreign source gross income was “passive category income” (which includes most interest and dividends). However, for this purpose, passive income also includes (a) income subject to the special rule described later; and (b) certain export financing interest.

  • All the income and any foreign taxes paid on it were reported to you on a qualified payee statement. Qualified payee statements include Form 1099-DIV, Form 1099-INT, Schedule K-1 (Form 1041), Schedule K-3 (Form 1065), Schedule K-3 (Form 1120-S), or similar substitute statements.

  • Your total creditable foreign taxes aren't more than $300 ($600 if married filing a joint return)”

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1 Best answer
Expert Alumni
Feb 18, 2025 11:38:22 AM

It depends. You might be asked to fill out Form 1116 even if your foreign tax is less than $300($600 if MFJ) due to a few reasons:

 

  1. Specific Income Types: If your foreign taxes are related to certain types of income, such as passive income from mutual funds or ETFs, you may be asked to fill out Form 1116..
  2. Manual Entry Issues: If the information from your 1099-DIV or 1099 INT form isn't entered correctly, TurboTax might prompt you to fill out Form 1116.

To resolve this, you can try:

 

  • Double-checking your entries: Ensure all information from your 1099-DIV is entered correctly.
  • Using the Simplified Method: TurboTax has a simplified method for handling foreign tax credits, which might help bypass the need for Form 1116. Go through your entries when you complete the foreign tax credit and be sure to mention you elect to take the simplified method for reporting your foreign taxes.

 

 

3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 18, 2025 11:38:22 AM

It depends. You might be asked to fill out Form 1116 even if your foreign tax is less than $300($600 if MFJ) due to a few reasons:

 

  1. Specific Income Types: If your foreign taxes are related to certain types of income, such as passive income from mutual funds or ETFs, you may be asked to fill out Form 1116..
  2. Manual Entry Issues: If the information from your 1099-DIV or 1099 INT form isn't entered correctly, TurboTax might prompt you to fill out Form 1116.

To resolve this, you can try:

 

  • Double-checking your entries: Ensure all information from your 1099-DIV is entered correctly.
  • Using the Simplified Method: TurboTax has a simplified method for handling foreign tax credits, which might help bypass the need for Form 1116. Go through your entries when you complete the foreign tax credit and be sure to mention you elect to take the simplified method for reporting your foreign taxes.

 

 

New Member
Feb 18, 2025 6:01:32 PM

My son has a small mutual fund and paid $2.69 in foreign tax. Turbo tax is demanding he upgrade to Deluxe ($39.99) just to fill out form 1116 but it is completely unnecessary. How can we eliminate this he is only 18, had AGI of $33K? Thanks for any help. 

Expert Alumni
Feb 19, 2025 6:59:24 AM

Yes. Remove the entry made either in Box 6 of a 1099 INT or Box 7 of 1099 DIV? Once done, you should not be asked to upgrade. If you are however, go to:

 

  • Tax tools
  • Tools 
  • Delete a Form
  • Delete form 1116 and all worksheets that are linked with it.