I must not have something quite right, as my dummy return does the same thing.  Pops in a $0 income tax for the parents on Line 9.  If I ignore the Schedule J worksheet and use the Sch D worksheet, the tax is computed correctly--it just won't match the parents' return.  All of this for $18 in tax.  😞

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my posts.  I know this is a busy time for you, too!