I do not select Alternarive minimum tax but it is included in the tax return. Why?

[Ghanouni]

TurboTax includes Alternative minimum tax calculations forms in my return even tough I do not selct it. Why and what can be done?

[hbl3973]

Ghanouni,

Alternative minimum tax is not an option you can turn on or off.  It is always calculated and in some cases such as when you have  ISO stock options and private activity municipal bond fund income, can be higher than the regular tax in which case the higher value ends up being your tax.

[DavidD66]

TurboTax only generates the tax forms that are required to be filed.  If you have Form 6251 - Alternative Minimum Tax, it's because it's required to be filed as a part of your return.

[Ghanouni]

Do I need to file the AMT forms generated by TurboTax even they are irrelevant to my tax return?

[hbl3973]

Ghanouni,

If you are e-filing you would not have control on the forms that are filed.  If you are planning to file on paper, if a 6251 form is generated, yes you do include it even if it just shows that the AMT additional tax was zero in your case.

[JohnB5677]

If you're going to Efile your tax return, all of the required forms will be transmitted.

If you're going to mail them, you should include them.  As @DavidD66 and @hbl3673 stated.  These forms did not happen by accident.

"The AMT recalculates income tax after adding certain tax preference items back into adjusted gross income. It uses a separate set of rules to calculate taxable income after allowed deductions."   (AMT) Definition, How It Works

Also see IRS Topic No. 556 Alternative Minimum Tax