Bug: Form 8815 is being incorrectly added to the forms list.

[Solar Eclipse]

Form 8815 is being incorrectly added to the forms list on the desktop version of TT 2024. When asked if bond interest is from I/EE bonds, answering 'No' generates a blank 8815 in the forms list. Can we please get a fix in an update so if the question is answered 'No' the form will not be added? And in instances where this bug already caused a blank 8815 to be added to a return's form list then have the fix remove the form from the list? (I realize it can be manually removed but a bug fix should also include proper clean-up)

Thanks,

       SE

[BrittanyS]

I would like to take a deeper look at this. However, I need a diagnostic file which is a copy of your tax return that has all of your personal information removed. You can send one to us by following the directions below:

TurboTax Online:

1. Sign into your online account.
2. Locate the Tax Tools on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. A drop-down will appear. Select Tools
4. On the pop-up screen, click on “Share my file with agent.”
5. This will generate a message that a diagnostic file gets sanitized and transmitted to us.
6. Please provide the Token Number that was generated in the response.

TurboTax Desktop/Download Versions:

1. Open your return.
2. Click the Online tab in the black bar across the top of TurboTax and select “Send Tax File to Agent” *
3. This will generate a message that a diagnostic copy will be created.  Click on OK and the tax file will be sanitized and transmitted to us.
4. Please provide the Token Number (including the dash) that was generated in the response.

*(If using a MAC, go to the menu at the top of the screen, select Help, then, “Send Tax File to Agent”)

[Solar Eclipse]

The quick and easy way to verify this bug on the TT 2024 Windows Desktop version is as follows:

On a 1099 Interest entry put an amount in box 3.

When exiting out of that income section you will be asked if the interest was attributed to I/EE bonds. Simply respond 'No'.  Then go to the Forms View and you should see a blank 8815 form has been inserted into the forms list. 

If anyone else would be kind enough to verify this behavior please respond back with confirmation of this bug.

Thanks,

     SE

[Solar Eclipse]

Is nobody else seeing this behavior....?

SE

[Solar Eclipse]

This is STILL broken a year later...

SE

[CatinaT1]

If you have a blank form in your return, it is generally safe to delete blank or "ghost" worksheet or form before filing.

While this is not an issue in your case, you do want to be careful to not delete blank forms that track data from previous years if they track any carryover amounts.

Instead of manual deletion, the TurboTax Desktop version has a specific tool designed for this exact purpose:

• Go to the Forms menu at the very top of your screen (not the sidebar).
• Select Close Unused Forms.
• The program will scan your return and automatically "clean up" many of those blank worksheets that aren't tied to active data.

[Solar Eclipse]

Wonderufl, thanks, but can you please clarify:  There are TWO different items that can end up blank in a return - FORMS and WORKSHEETS.  I'm having both.  There's a common issue with a blank 8815 form being added incorrectly, and a 2555T form as well.  And now I'm also seeing a blank Earned Income worksheet for the first time.  Will this tool safely REMOVE both blank/unused forms AND worksheets from a return?

SE

[Solar Eclipse]

 @CatinaT1 , just tried what you suggested but not seeing what you describe. When I click on the Forms menu at the top there is no Close Unused Forms option.

Help?

(Using TT Deluxe Windows)

[CatinaT1]

Sorry, evidently that is only available in the Canadian version of TurboTax. You will have to delete each form manually.

[Solar Eclipse]

@CatinaT1  Thanks for clarifying.  Strange such a helpful feature isn't in the US version.  Anyway, in light of the situation can you please clarify your below statement?  Are you saying a form or worksheet that is blank could still be tracking data/carryover amounts from prior years??  <confused>

"While this is not an issue in your case, you do want to be careful to not delete blank forms that track data from previous years if they track any carryover amounts."

SE