Using my dependent's MAGI on the Health Insurance section

[mulva1972]

TurboTax says to use Line 4 from my son's 1040EZ less line 2, but the help section TaxGuyBill says only to use this if there is taxable income (line 6 on 1040EZ).  Which is correct?

[ValerieE]

Technically both are correct.

The first question on the page where you enter your dependent's MAGI says "Are any of your dependents required to file a 2016 tax return?"  One way to determine this is if they have taxable income (on line 6 of the 1040EZ).  TaxGuyBill was basically giving you an easy way to determine if your dependent is required to file a return.  If you answer "No" you do not have to enter your dependent's MAGI which is what TaxGuyBill instructed.

However, if you answer "Yes" because your dependent is required to file a tax return (has taxable income) then you will need to enter the amount as described in TurboTax.  Please note though, that the instructions say, "add the amounts on line 4 and any tax exempt interest reported in the space to the left of line 2."  You do not want to subtract the amount in line 2.