In each of 2008, 2009, and 20010 I paid foreign taxes of about $2,000 on dividends. I could not been take the credit because in 2008 I had no income and in 2009 and 2010 I was heavily into AMT. I know I can carry it forward for 10(?) years. Do I have to do anything special to do the carry forward, other than being able to document it when I take it? Do I have to file anything with my returns in 2008, 20009 and 2010 to show the carry forward not being used?
I am beginning to suspect I will never get to take it; I will always be in AMT or have no income. I could carry the 2008 credit back to
2007 when I had income but wasn't in AMT. It is too late to do that now (the limit is 3 years to amend isn't it?), but I amended my 2007 return in late 2008 (but before filing my 2008 return...), so it is less than 3 years on the amended 2007. Does that mean I am still in the 3 years, or is it 3 years from the original filing regardless of amendments?