The IRS 8862 form serves as an essential document for individuals seeking to claim certain credits after previously facing disallowance. It acts as a statement that enables taxpayers to regain eligibility for credits like the Earned Income Credit, among others. For swift and accurate submission, ensure to click the button below to fill out the form.
Navigating the complex landscape of tax forms and regulations can be a daunting task for anyone, including the seasoned filer. Among the plethora of forms the IRS requires is Form 8862, a crucial document for taxpayers who wish to claim certain credits after a previous denial. This form effectively serves as a statement for individuals looking to reclaim their eligibility for credits like the Earned Income Credit, and certain other tax benefits, which may have been previously disallowed. The importance of Form 8862 lies not only in its ability to potentially restore valuable tax credits but also in its role in ensuring compliance with the tax code, thereby avoiding further scrutiny or penalties from the IRS. By acting as a bridge for taxpayers to rectify past issues and regain eligibility, Form 8862 embodies a key element of the tax filing process, particularly for those looking to maximize their potential refunds or minimize liabilities. Understanding the intricacies of this form is essential for any taxpayer navigating the path to reclaiming their eligibility for these important tax benefits.
Form 8862
Information To Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance
OMB No. 1545-0074
Earned Income Credit (EIC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Refundable Child Tax Credit (RCTC), Additional Child
(Rev. December 2021)
Tax Credit (ACTC), Credit for Other Dependents (ODC), and American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
Attachment
Department of the Treasury
▶ Attach to your tax return. ▶ Go to www.irs.gov/Form8862 for instructions and the latest information.
Sequence No. 43A
Internal Revenue Service
Name(s) shown on return
Your social security number
You must complete Form 8862 and attach it to your tax return to claim the EIC, CTC/RCTC/ACTC/ODC, or AOTC if both of the following apply.
✓Your EIC, CTC/RCTC/ACTC/ODC, or AOTC was previously reduced or disallowed for any reason other than a math or clerical error.
✓You now want to claim the credit that was previously reduced or disallowed and you meet all the requirements for the credit.
Part I
All Filers
1 Enter the tax year for which you are filing this form (for example, 2021)
▶
2Check the box(es) that applies to the credit(s) you are claiming and complete the part(s) that matches the box(es) you marked.
Child Tax Credit (nonrefundable or
refundable)/Additional Child Tax
Earned Income Credit
Credit/Credit for Other Dependents
American Opportunity Tax Credit
(Complete Part II)
(Complete Part III)
(Complete Part IV)
Part II Earned Income Credit
3If the only reason your EIC was reduced or disallowed was because you incorrectly reported your earned
income or investment income, check “Yes.” Otherwise, check “No.” . . . . . . . . . . . ▶
Yes
No
Caution: If you checked “Yes,” do not complete the rest of Part II. Attach this form to your tax return to
claim the EIC. If you checked “No,” continue.
4Could you (or your spouse if filing jointly) be claimed as a qualifying child of another taxpayer for the year
entered on line 1? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ▶
Caution: See the instructions before answering. If you (or your spouse if filing jointly) answer “Yes” to
question 4, you cannot claim the EIC.
If you are claiming the EIC with a qualifying child, continue to Section A. Otherwise, go to Section B.
Section A: Filers With a Qualifying Child or Children
✓Answer questions 5, 7, and 8 for each child for whom you are claiming the EIC.
✓Enter the name(s) of the child(ren) you listed as Child 1, Child 2, and Child 3 on Schedule EIC for the year entered on line 1 above.
5a
Child 1
b Child 2
c
Child 3
6
Does your completed Schedule EIC for the year entered on line 1 show that you had a qualifying child for the EIC? ▶
Caution: If you checked “No,” you do not need to complete Part II, Section A. Go to Part II, Section B.
7Enter the number of days each child lived with you in the United States during the year entered on line 1.
Child 1 ▶
Child 2 ▶
Child 3 ▶
Caution: If you enter less than 183 (184 if the year on line 1 is a leap year), you cannot claim the EIC for that child.
8If the child was born or died during the year entered on line 1, enter the month and day the child was born and/or died as month (MM)/day (DD). Otherwise, skip this line.
Child 1 date of birth (MM/DD) Child 2 date of birth (MM/DD) Child 3 date of birth (MM/DD)
/
Child 1 date of death (MM/DD) Child 2 date of death (MM/DD) Child 3 date of death (MM/DD)
Only one person may claim the child as a qualifying child for the EIC and certain other child-related benefits. If the child meets the conditions to be a qualifying child of any other person (other than your spouse if filing jointly), complete Part V. If you cannot treat any of the children listed above as a qualifying child and have no other qualifying children, go to Part II, Section B.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see separate instructions.
Cat. No. 25145E
Form 8862 (Rev. 12-2021)
Page 2
Section B: Filers Without a Qualifying Child or Children
9a Enter the number of days during the year entered on line 1 that your main home was in the United States . .
. ▶
bIf married filing jointly, enter the number of days during the year entered on line 1 that your spouse’s main home was
in the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ▶
Caution: Members of the military stationed outside the United States during the year entered on line 1, see the instructions
before answering. If you enter less than 183 (184 if the year on line 1 is a leap year) on either line 9a or 9b (if filing jointly), you
cannot claim the EIC.
10a
Enter your age at the end of the year on line 1
b
Enter your spouse’s age at the end of the year on line 1
Caution: If your spouse died during the year entered on line 1 or you are preparing a return for someone who died during the
year entered on line 1, see the instructions before answering. If neither you (nor your spouse if filing jointly) met the applicable
minimum or maximum age requirement at the end of the year on line 1, you cannot claim the EIC. See the Instructions for Form
8862 for more information.
11a Can you be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return? . . . . . . . . . . . . ▶
bCan your spouse (if filing jointly) be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return? . . . . ▶ Caution: If either you (or your spouse if filing jointly) answer “Yes” to question 11, you cannot claim the EIC.
Part III Child Tax Credit (nonrefundable or refundable)/Additional Child Tax Credit/Credit for Other Dependents
12Enter the name(s) of each child for whom you are claiming the child tax credit/refundable child tax credit/additional child tax credit (CTC/RCTC/ACTC). If you are claiming the CTC/RCTC/ACTC for more than four qualifying children, attach a statement also answering questions 12 and 14–17 for those children.
a
Child 2
d
Child 4
13Enter the name(s) of each person for whom you are claiming the credit for other dependents (ODC). If you are claiming the credit for more than four dependents, attach a statement answering questions 13, 16, and 17 for those dependents.
Other dependent 1
Other dependent 2
Other dependent 3
Other dependent 4
14For each child listed in response to question 12, did the child live with you for more than half of the year or meet an exception described in the instructions?
15For each child listed in response to question 12, did the child meet the requirements to be a qualifying child for the CTC/RCTC/ ACTC?
16For each person claimed as a qualifying child or other dependent for the CTC/RCTC/ACTC/ODC, is that person your dependent?
17For each person claimed as a qualifying child or other dependent for the CTC/RCTC/ACTC/ODC, is that person a citizen, national, or resident of the United States? See Pub. 519 for more information on when a person is a resident of the United States or is treated as a resident of the United States.
Caution: If the answer is “No” for questions 14, 15, 16, or 17, you cannot claim the CTC/RCTC/ACTC/ODC for that child or other dependent.
Only one person can claim the child as a qualifying child for the CTC/RCTC/ACTC/ODC. If the child meets the conditions to be a qualifying child of any other person (other than your spouse if filing jointly), complete Part V. If you cannot treat any of the children listed above as a qualifying child and have no other qualifying children, you cannot claim the CTC/RCTC/ACTC or the ODC based on having a qualifying child. If you are a noncustodial parent who is entitled to treat the child as a qualifying child, you do not need to complete Part V.
Page 3
Part IV
✓Answer the following questions for each student for whom you are claiming the AOTC. If you have more than three students, attach a statement also answering questions 18 and 19 for those students.
✓Enter the name(s) of the student(s) as listed on Form 8863.
18a
Student 1
Student 2
Student 3
19a
Did the student meet the requirements to be an eligible student for purposes of the AOTC for the year entered on line 1? See
Pub. 970 for more information.
bHas the Hope Scholarship Credit or AOTC been claimed for the student for any 4 tax years before the year entered on line 1?
Caution: If you answered “No” to question 19a or “Yes” to question 19b, you cannot claim the credit for that student.
Part V Qualifying Child of More Than One Person
✓Answer the following questions for each child who meets the conditions to be a qualifying child of any other person (other than your spouse if filing jointly). If you have more than four qualifying children, attach a statement also answering questions 20–22 for those children.
20a
21Enter the address where you and the child lived together during the year entered on line 1. If you lived with the child at more than one address during the year, attach a list of the addresses where you lived.
Child 1 ▶ Number and street
City or town, state, and ZIP code
Child 2 ▶ If same as shown for Child 1, check this box ▶
Number and street
Child 3 ▶ If same as shown for Child 1, check this box ▶
Child 4 ▶ If same as shown for Child 1, check this box ▶
Otherwise, enter below.
Page 4
Part V
Qualifying Child of More Than One Person (continued)
22Did any other person (except your spouse, if filing jointly, and your dependents claimed on your return)
live with Child 1, Child 2, Child 3, or Child 4 for more than half the year?
If “Yes,” enter the relationship of each person to the child on the appropriate line below.
Other person living with Child 1: Name
Relationship to Child 1
Other person living with Child 2: If same as shown for Child 1, check this box ▶
Name
Relationship to Child 2
Other person living with Child 3: If same as shown for Child 1, check this box ▶
Relationship to Child 3
Other person living with Child 4: If same as shown for Child 1, check this box ▶
Relationship to Child 4
To determine which person can treat the child as a qualifying child for the EIC and CTC/RCTC/ACTC, see Qualifying Child of More Than One Person in Pub. 501.
Note: The IRS may ask you to provide additional information to verify your eligibility to claim each credit.
Once the IRS sends a notice disqualifying you from claiming certain credits, and you believe you now meet the criteria to claim them again, you're likely to need Form 8862. This process may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, you can handle it confidently. Below are the steps to fill out the IRS Form 8862 efficiently so you can move forward with claiming your desired credits on your tax return.
Filling out Form 8862 is straightforward when you follow these steps. After submission, the IRS will review your form as part of processing your tax return. If you've accurately completed Form 8862 and meet the eligibility requirements, you should be able to claim your previously disallowed tax credits. Be patient, as processing times can vary, especially during peak tax season. Remember, staying informed and organized is key to navigating the process smoothly.
What is the IRS Form 8862?
IRS Form 8862, "Information to Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance," is a document used by taxpayers who previously had certain tax credits disallowed but are now eligible to claim them again. This form serves as a way to inform the IRS that the taxpayer meets the criteria to reinstate their eligibility for credits such as the Earned Income Credit (EIC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and other related credits.
Who needs to file IRS Form 8862?
A taxpayer should file Form 8862 if they have been previously notified by the IRS that their claim for a certain tax credit was disallowed, and they wish to claim the credit again in a subsequent tax year. However, there are exceptions; for instance, if the disallowance was due to a mathematical or clerical error, the taxpayer may not need to file this form to claim the credit again.
When should IRS Form 8862 be filed?
Form 8862 should be filed with the taxpayer's income tax return in the year they wish to start claiming the credit(s) again. This form acts as a certification of eligibility, so it must be submitted in the same tax year that the taxpayer is looking to receive the credit.
What specific information is needed to complete Form 8862?
To complete Form 8862, taxpayers will need to provide their name, social security number, and the tax year for which they are filing. They must also indicate the specific credit(s) they are claiming and any relevant information that establishes their eligibility for these credits, such as income details, qualifying children information, and any other required documentation that supports their claim.
Is Form 8862 required every year?
No, Form 8862 is not needed every year. Once a taxpayer has successfully filed it with their federal tax return and reclaimed the disallowed credit(s), they do not need to file the form again in future years unless they have the same or another credit disallowed under similar circumstances.
What happens if I forget to file Form 8862?
If you forget to file Form 8862 after a disallowance and you claim the credit, the IRS may reject your claim for the credit. This could result in a delayed refund or a notice from the IRS requesting additional information. It is essential to file the form if it is required to avoid complications with your tax return.
Can IRS Form 8862 be filed electronically?
Yes, IRS Form 8862 can be filed electronically as part of your electronic tax return. Most modern tax preparation software supports this feature, making it easier for taxpayers to include the form with their electronically filed tax returns.
Where can I get help with filling out Form 8862?
Help with filling out Form 8862 is available from various sources, including certified public accountants (CPAs), IRS-authorized e-file providers, and the IRS website. The IRS also offers volunteer assistance programs for eligible taxpayers, providing free tax help and filing assistance.
Filling out IRS Form 8862 can be a daunting task for many taxpayers, leading to common mistakes that can delay tax credits or benefits. One such error is neglecting to fully complete the form. Every question on Form 8862 is crucial for the IRS to reassess eligibility for certain tax credits. Leaving sections blank might cause unnecessary processing delays or even the denial of the claim.
Another common mistake involves providing incorrect personal information. This includes inaccuracies in names, Social Security numbers, or addresses. It's essential that the information on Form 8862 matches the details in the IRS's records exactly. Any discrepancy, no matter how minor it seems, can lead to processing issues and potential delays.
A significant number of taxpayers fail to retain a copy of their completed Form 8862 for their records. This oversight can become problematic if there are questions or issues with the IRS later on. Without a copy, it becomes much more difficult to verify what was submitted, complicating any efforts to rectify issues.
Incorrectly calculating income or other financial information is yet another pitfall. This may not only impact the eligibility for the tax credits being claimed but can also trigger a closer review or audit from the IRS. Accuracy is paramount when reporting financial details to the IRS.
Failing to update changes in circumstances from year to year when re-submitting Form 8862 is a common mistake. Tax situations and eligibility for credits can change over time. Taxpayers must reassess their situation with each tax year to ensure the information on the form reflects their current circumstances accurately.
Some individuals mistakenly assume they do not need to file Form 8862 again after it has been submitted once. However, the IRS may require it to be filed again in certain situations, such as if the earned income tax credit was disallowed in a previous year but the taxpayer believes they are now eligible.
Signing and dating the form is frequently overlooked. An unsigned form is considered incomplete by the IRS and will not be processed until corrected. This simple step is often the last one but is crucial for the form to be accepted.
Inaccuracies in claiming dependents can also lead to issues with Form 8862. Taxpayers must ensure that they have the right to claim specific dependents and that these dependents meet the IRS’s criteria.
Not seeking assistance when needed is a mistake that can easily be avoided. Whether it’s from a professional tax preparer or IRS resources, getting help when unsure about how to properly complete Form 8862 can save a lot of trouble and delays later.
Lastly, waiting until the last minute to fill out Form 8862 is a common mistake that puts taxpayers at risk of missing filing deadlines. Rushing through the form increases the likelihood of errors, so it’s better to start the process early and give oneself plenty of time to review and submit the form.
When navigating through the tax filing process, the IRS 8862 form, often referred to as "Information To Claim Certain Credits After Disallowance," is a critical document for taxpayers who need to re-qualify for certain tax credits that were previously denied. Alongside the IRS 8862 form, there are several other forms and documents that are frequently used to ensure a comprehensive and compliant tax filing. Each of these plays a unique role in the filing process, catering to specific needs or situations that may arise.
Together with the IRS 8862 form, these documents form a comprehensive toolbox for taxpayers aiming to accurately report their income, claim eligible tax credits, and comply with U.S. tax regulations. Whether dealing with education expenses, dependent care, health insurance, or income from various sources, these forms ensure that taxpayers can navigate their tax obligations with greater ease and precision.
The IRS 8862 form, often employed when an individual needs to claim certain credits after they have been previously disallowed, bears similarities to several other tax documents, each with its unique role in the tax filing process. For instance, the Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is a comprehensive form that taxpayers use to file their annual income tax returns. Similar to the IRS 8862, the Form 1040 involves disclosing financial information to the IRS, but it covers a broader spectrum of tax information, including income, deductions, and credits, making it the foundation of an individual’s tax filing.
The Schedule C (Form 1040) is another document closely related to the IRS 8862, specifically for individuals who operate a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC. Like the 8862, which requires detailing previous disallowances of certain credits, Schedule C requires the taxpayer to report income and expenses related to their business operations. The similarity lies in the need for detailed financial reporting to claim or re-claim benefits appropriately.
The IRS Form 8863, named "Education Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits)," shares a direct relation to the subject of tax credits, akin to Form 8862. Taxpayers use Form 8863 to claim the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit, which are tax credits designed to offset costs of higher education. While Form 8862 is used to re-claim eligibility for certain credits after disallowance, Form 8863 is specifically focused on education credits, highlighting the thematic similarity in the realm of claiming tax benefits.
Form W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement, is another essential document in the context of tax filing and credits. While not directly used to claim tax credits, it provides crucial information that affects one’s eligibility for various credits claimed on the IRS 8862 or other related forms. It summarizes an employee's annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paycheck, information that is vital for accurately filling out the Form 8862 and determining the rightful amount of certain tax credits.
Lastly, Form 2441, "Child and Dependent Care Expenses," is intimately related to Form 8862 in the way it allows taxpayers to claim a credit for the expenses incurred for the care of qualifying persons. This form requires detailed financial information about the care provided, similar to how the 8862 necessitates specifics regarding the eligibility and amounts of certain tax credits. Both forms share the objective of providing tax relief based on personal or family expenses, underlining the overarching goal of the tax code to offer financial benefits for specific circumstances.
Filling out IRS Form 8862 is an important step for many taxpayers seeking to claim certain credits after previously being disallowed. Whether you're navigating this process for the first time or need a refresher, understanding what to do and what to avoid can make a significant difference. Here are nine essential tips to guide you through this task confidently and correctly:
Completing IRS Form 8862 with care and attention to detail can lead to a successful reclaiming of your tax credits. By following these dos and don'ts, you're taking an important step in managing your taxes effectively and ensuring you receive the benefits to which you're entitled.
Understanding the IRS 8862 form is crucial for many taxpayers, especially those seeking to claim certain tax credits after previously being denied. Unfortunately, several misconceptions surround this form, leading to confusion and potentially missed opportunities. Clarification on these points can empower individuals in managing their tax filings more effectively.
Only for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A common misconception is that Form 8862 is solely for taxpayers who were previously denied the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). While it's frequently associated with the EITC, this form is also necessary for individuals who need to reclaim the American Opportunity Credit, the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) after denial or reduction in a prior year due to a filing error.
One-time Submission: Some believe that once Form 8862 is submitted, it's never required again. In reality, the IRS may require a taxpayer to file Form 8862 more than once if credits are denied in subsequent years for reasons related to taxpayer error or fraud. It's essential to understand that this form might recur under certain circumstances.
Automatic Processing: Another misconception is that submission of Form 8862 guarantees automatic reinstatement of credits. Submitting this form is a necessary step, but it does not ensure automatic approval. The IRS reviews each case to determine eligibility based on the current year's tax situation and compliance with tax laws.
Complex Filing Process: Filing Form 8862 is often thought to be complicated. While dealing with tax forms can be daunting, Form 8862 is relatively straightforward. It requires basic information about the taxpayer and details regarding the previously disallowed credits. Understanding its instructions can simplify the process considerably.
Immediate Impact on Tax Returns: Some taxpayers expect that once they submit Form 8862, the impact on their tax return will be immediate. In practice, the processing of this form, along with the associated tax return, can take several weeks. The IRS evaluates the entire tax return in conjunction with Form 8862, and the influence on a taxpayer’s return depends on this comprehensive assessment.
In conclusion, accurate knowledge about IRS Form 8862 is vital for taxpayers aiming to correctly claim certain tax credits following denial. Dispelling these misconceptions helps ensure informed decisions, proper form submission, and an improved understanding of the tax filing process. When in doubt, consulting a tax professional can provide clarity and personalized guidance.
The IRS Form 8862 is required for individuals who need to claim certain credits after disallowance. Filling out and using this form correctly is crucial for those looking to reinstate their eligibility for tax credits. Here are key takeaways regarding the form:
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