How to split the Caregiver Amount in TurboTax?

[DJK1]

The caregiver amount tax credit can be split if more than one person supports the same dependant, but I can't see a way of doing this in TurboTax.  Same goes for the Infirm Dependant tax credit for age 18+.

[TurboTaxJennifer · Accepted solution]

The Caregiver credit can be split by doing a manual override in the Forms view.

To view the forms, click the Forms button near the top of your screen.

Once you're in the Forms view:

1. Click the tab at the bottom of the page marked "Forms" (just to the right of the person's name who is reporting the credit) and select Schedule 5.
2. Locate the Line 315 Caregiver Amount section.
3. Place your cursor on line 7 of that section "Allowable amount for this dependant" and press the F2 button to perform the override. If your F2 button is deactivated, click the Edit button at the top of the screen and select Form Overrides.
4. Select "Yes" to the info box that appears.
5. Enter the desired amount you'd like to claim, ensuring that the combined amount of the split does not exceed the maximum amount listed on line 5 of the same section. Your override amount will appear in red.
6. Repeat this process for the other person claiming the credit.

To return to the Easy Step interview method, click the button marked "Easy Step" located at the top of your screen between the "Save" and "Forms" options.

[DJK1]

Thanks, Jennifer - that works as long as one is not splitting with a spouse.  And when there are 2 or more dependants for whom the Caregiver credit is being claimed, it appears the override has to be done on the Schedule 5 supplementary schedule.  Is there a way to split with a spouse?  Just override on the spouse's Schedule 1?

[TurboTaxJennifer]

You can do an override on the Schedule 1 for the amounts. The only drawback is that it may interfere with your ability to use NETFILE. You may have to mail in your returns. The other option is to not do any overrides and follow up with an adjustment once you've received your Notice of Assessment. If you're a CRA My Account holder, adjustments are quite simple to do online.

[DJK1]

Thank you!