1040SR line 27c Earned Income Credit check box question

[syoung123]

Hello, I am looking at a printed copy of the 1040SR and noticed that the box on line 27c is checked ("if you do not want to claim the EIC...").  I did not enter any data for the earned income credits and would think that the box would be just blank, vs having a check mark.  Is the Window desktop version of the software supposed to put a check mark on this box?  Does it matter whether the box is checked or not (I am not claiming EIC)? 

I also saw line 28 (ACTC additional child tax credit) is not checked (the other way around), and I did not enter any data for ACTC.  Just want to understand the logic why 27c is checked and line 28 is not checked since I am not claiming EIC and not claiming ACTC.  And does it matter whether either of these boxes, or both boxes, are checked or not?

Thank you. 

[MelindaS1 · Accepted solution]

These boxes are not consequential, and you can absolutely proceed to file as-is without overthinking it. 

However, complete accuracy in details may help speed up the processing of your return and/or avoid additional oversight with the tax agencies. In TurboTax Desktop Windows, you can follow these steps to check the line 28 box:

1. Switch to Forms view (upper right button), then 
2. Select Form 1040-SR under Forms In My Return
3.  Scroll down to line 28 and right-click on the checkbox itself
4. 
5. Select About Not Claiming ACTC
6. In the window that opens, click the blue link that appears and mentions the checkbox, which will take you to Schedule 8812
7. At the top of Schedule 8812, check this box:

Then, both your line 27c and your line 28 checkboxes will have consistent presentation. 

FYI, your line 27c was checked somewhere along the way when you answered an interview question asking whether you would like to / or be able to claim the credit: 

[syoung123]

Thank you for your reply and clarification.