I followed the instructions you referenced, but the tool does not delete Schedule R. (It actually pops up a little message that says "this form cannot be deleted.") Re your question about what happens when I hit "update", first I get a screen that says "let's see if we can get" you more money, with an option to continue. Then it asks for any non-taxable retirement income (there is none in this case), and when I hit continue, it simply tells me the return already includes the credit. There is no option to refuse it.
I did play with the DOB to force the age down below 65, and the credit drops off. Since this is a paper file, I think this may allow me to at least create a printable 1040. Any other solutions or any cautions for me?
Dropping the age will drop your standard deduction. Since the nontaxable income is just the program trying to calculate a credit, you are better off to put a number there that drops the credit rather than changing your age. Since you are mailing the return, be sure to have it tracked to ensure the safety of your information.
If you are itemizing deductions, the age will not matter.
If you are taking the standard deduction - Increased standard deduction amounts for taxpayers who are 65 and older or
blind are:
• $1,950 for Single or Head of Household
• $1,550 for married taxpayers or Qualifying Surviving Spouse