IRS Schedule 3 (Form 1040)
Claim additional credits and payments that do not appear on the main Form 1040.
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About IRS Schedule 3 (Form 1040)
Schedule 3, Additional Credits and Payments, is filed with Form 1040 to claim credits and payments that are not listed directly on the main form. Part I covers nonrefundable credits such as the foreign tax credit, the child and dependent care credit, and education credits, and Part II covers other payments and refundable credits.
This page is a general guide and a fillable helper, not tax advice. Always download and file the current official form from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-3-form-1040 and confirm the fields and current rules match before you file.
Who needs to complete it
- Taxpayers claiming the child and dependent care credit from Form 2441.
- People claiming education credits or the foreign tax credit.
- Anyone claiming residential energy credits from Form 5695.
- Taxpayers reporting other payments such as amounts paid with an extension request.
How to fill out IRS Schedule 3 (Form 1040)
- 1Enter your name and Social Security number as shown on Form 1040 at the top.
- 2In Part I, enter the foreign tax credit if it applies to you.
- 3Enter the child and dependent care credit from Form 2441.
- 4Enter education credits, retirement savings credits, and residential energy credits from their forms.
- 5Total the nonrefundable credits in Part I and carry the amount to your Form 1040.
- 6In Part II, enter other payments such as the amount paid with an extension.
- 7Total Part II and carry the other payments and refundable credits to your Form 1040.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Part I and Part II?
Part I lists nonrefundable credits that can reduce your tax to zero but not below it. Part II lists other payments and refundable credits. This is a general guide, not tax advice, and you should download and file the current official form from the IRS.
Do I need supporting forms for these credits?
Most credits on Schedule 3 come from a supporting form, such as Form 2441 for child and dependent care or Form 5695 for energy credits. Complete those forms first.
Where do the totals go?
The Part I and Part II totals carry to specific lines on Form 1040. Follow the current form to see exactly which lines.
Is this the official IRS form?
This is a fillable helper to make completion easier. Always download and file the current official form from the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-3-form-1040 and confirm the fields match.