Can I Carry Forward Unused Tax Credits?

It depends on the credit — some credits carry forward, and some don't. Non-refundable credits that exceed your tax liability generally cannot be refunded but may carry forward to future years (for example, the Residential Clean Energy Credit carries forward). Other non-refundable credits, like the Child Tax Credit, have a refundable portion that allows you to receive money back. Business credits often carry forward 20 years and back 1 year. Refundable credits are paid out regardless, so carryforward doesn't apply. Read the specific rules for each credit — the carryforward rules vary widely.