Uh oh! Did you just find another W-2 tucked away in a pile of mail after you've already hit "file" on your TurboTax return? Don't panic! It's a surprisingly common situation, and thankfully, it's fixable. You won't be filing a new return, but rather, you'll be amending the one you've already submitted. Let's walk through this step-by-step to make sure you get it right.
The Game Plan: Amending Your Return with a New W-2
The key to adding another W-2 after filing is to file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X. This form allows you to correct information on a return you've already submitted to the IRS. It's important to not try to file a brand new return, as this will only confuse the IRS and likely cause delays.
Ready to tackle this? Let's get started!
Step 1: Hold Your Horses! Don't Do Anything Yet!
Before you click around in TurboTax or pull your hair out, there's a crucial waiting period. If your original return hasn't been accepted by the IRS yet, you might have a different path. However, assuming it has been accepted (which is typically the case if you're thinking about amending), you need to wait for a few things to happen:
Wait for Acceptance: If your e-filed return is still "pending" or "rejected," do not make any changes. If it's rejected, you can simply correct the original return in TurboTax and resubmit it with the new W-2. If it's accepted, then you proceed with amending.
Wait for Your Refund (or Payment to Clear): If you were due a refund, wait until you actually receive it. If you owed taxes, wait until your payment has been processed by the IRS. The IRS's system can only handle one return for your Social Security Number at a time. Trying to amend too early can cause further complications. This processing can take some time, so patience is key here.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents (The Old and the New)
Once your original return has been processed, it's time to prepare. You'll need:
Your Original Tax Return: You'll need the exact figures from the return you already filed. If you filed with TurboTax, you can easily access a copy by logging into your account.
The New W-2 Form: This is the star of the show. Make sure you have the physical W-2 in front of you, not just a mental note of it.
Any Other Relevant Documents (Just in Case): While the focus is your W-2, it's a good habit to have any other supporting documents handy in case the additional income impacts other areas of your return.
Step 3: Accessing the Amended Return Feature in TurboTax
TurboTax makes amending a return relatively straightforward. The process varies slightly depending on whether you used TurboTax Online or the Desktop version.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online Users
Log In: Go to the TurboTax website and log in to your account.
Locate Your Return: On your Tax Home or "Your Tax Returns & Documents" section, find the tax year you need to amend.
Start the Amendment: Look for an option like "Amend (change) your return," "Amend using TurboTax Online," or a similar link. It's usually a clear button or dropdown menu.
Confirm the Year: TurboTax will likely ask you to confirm the tax year you wish to amend. Select the correct one.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users
Open the Software: Launch the TurboTax software for the specific tax year you need to amend. You must use the same year's software you used to file the original return.
Open Your Filed Return: Open the tax file (.tax file) for the return you previously filed.
Initiate Amendment: Look for an option like "Amend a filed return" or "Amend a return that was filed and accepted by the IRS." This is typically found under the "Federal" tab or a "Tools" menu.
Step 4: Entering Your New W-2 Information
Once you've started the amendment process in TurboTax, the software will guide you.
Navigate to Income Section: You'll generally be directed to the "Wages & Income" or "Income & Expenses" section.
Add Another W-2: Look for an option to "Add another W-2" or "Edit/Add W-2s." This is where you'll enter the information from your newly found W-2.
Enter All Details: Carefully input all the information from your new W-2, box by box, just as you did with your original W-2s. Double-check employer details, wages, withholdings, and any other relevant boxes.
TurboTax Recalculates: As you enter the new W-2, TurboTax will automatically recalculate your tax liability based on the updated income. This might result in a larger refund, a smaller refund, or even taxes owed.
Step 5: Reviewing Your Amended Return (Form 1040-X)
This is a critical step! TurboTax will generate Form 1040-X, the Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Understand the Columns: Form 1040-X has three columns:
Column A: Shows the original amounts you reported. TurboTax should populate this automatically from your previously filed return.
Column B: Shows the net increase or decrease for each line item due to your changes (the new W-2).
Column C: Shows the correct amounts after the amendment. This should be Column A + or - Column B.
Explanation is Key: On the back of Form 1040-X (or a dedicated section in TurboTax), you'll need to provide a clear and concise explanation for why you are amending your return. Something like: "To report additional wages and federal income tax withholding from a previously omitted W-2 (Employer Name, EIN)" is usually sufficient. TurboTax will often help you formulate this.
Check for State Impact: Remember, if your federal income changes, your state tax return will almost certainly need to be amended as well. TurboTax will typically prompt you to amend your state return if necessary. The process for state amendments is similar but uses different forms (often with an "X" suffix for "amended," like Form 540-X for California).
Step 6: Filing Your Amended Return
Unlike original returns, e-filing amended returns (Form 1040-X) has historically been more limited. However, the IRS now allows e-filing of Form 1040-X for the current tax year and the two prior tax years if your original return was also e-filed.
Sub-heading: E-filing Your Amended Return (If Available)
If you're amending for a recent tax year and your original return was e-filed, TurboTax may offer you the option to e-file your 1040-X. Follow the on-screen prompts to do so. This is the fastest and most convenient method.
Sub-heading: Printing and Mailing Your Amended Return (Most Common)
For many situations, especially if you're amending older tax years or if e-filing isn't an option for some reason, you'll need to print and mail your amended return.
Print Everything: Print the entire amended federal return (Form 1040-X) and any supporting schedules that TurboTax generates. Also, print your amended state return (if applicable).
Attach Documents:
Attach a copy of your new W-2.
Do NOT attach a copy of your original tax return unless specifically instructed to do so. You are only sending the amended return and any new or corrected forms.
Sign and Date: Crucially, sign and date Form 1040-X in the designated areas. If it's a joint return, both spouses must sign.
Mail It:
Federal: Mail your federal amended return to the appropriate IRS address. You can find the correct address in the Form 1040-X instructions or on the IRS website (search for "Where to File Form 1040-X").
State: Mail your state amended return to your state's tax agency. Check your state's Department of Revenue website for the correct mailing address.
Separate Envelopes: Send federal and state amended returns in separate envelopes as they go to different locations.
Consider Certified Mail: For your peace of mind, consider sending your amended return via certified mail with a return receipt. This provides proof of mailing and delivery.
Step 7: Tracking Your Amended Return
Amended returns take significantly longer to process than original returns.
IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" Tool: You can check the status of your federal amended return using the IRS's "Where's My Amended Return?" online tool. You'll need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and ZIP code. Be aware that it can take up to 3 weeks for your amended return to show up in the system after you mail it.
Processing Time: The IRS states that it can take up to 16 weeks or even longer to process an amended return. State processing times can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about amending your tax return in TurboTax for an additional W-2:
1. How to know if my original TurboTax return was accepted by the IRS? You should receive an email from TurboTax (or the IRS, if you opted for direct communication) confirming acceptance. You can also check your e-file status directly within your TurboTax account.
2. How to find my original tax return in TurboTax to get the figures for amending? Log into your TurboTax account, navigate to "Your Tax Returns & Documents" for the relevant year, and you should be able to view and print your filed return.
3. How to avoid needing to amend my return for a missed W-2 next year? Wait until you have all your W-2s and other income documents (1099s, etc.) before filing your original return. Employers have until January 31st to mail W-2s, but sometimes they arrive later. Give it a few extra days or weeks if you expect more documents.
4. How to determine if I'll get a bigger refund or owe more taxes after adding a W-2? TurboTax will automatically calculate this when you enter the new W-2 during the amendment process. Generally, if the new W-2 shows more income and you had sufficient withholding, you might get a larger refund. If it shows more income with little or no additional withholding, you might owe more.
5. How to track the status of my amended federal tax return? Use the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool online (irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return). You'll need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and ZIP code.
6. How to amend my state tax return after amending my federal return in TurboTax? TurboTax will typically prompt you to amend your state return if your federal changes impact it. Follow the software's instructions. You'll likely need to file a separate amended state form (e.g., Form 540-X for California).
7. How to pay if I owe more taxes after filing an amended return? If you owe additional tax, you should pay it by the original tax deadline (usually April 15th) to avoid penalties and interest. If you're filing an amended return after that date, pay the amount due as soon as possible. You can typically pay online via IRS Direct Pay, through your bank, or by mailing a check with Form 1040-V.
8. How to get a refund if my amended return shows I'm due more money? If you e-file your amended return for tax years 2021 and later, you can often request direct deposit. If you mail a paper amended return, the IRS will typically issue a paper check.
9. How to ensure I attach the correct documents when mailing my amended return? Only attach the new W-2 (or corrected forms) and any other forms or schedules that were changed or added due to the amendment. Do not re-attach your original 1040.
10. How to get help from a live person if I'm stuck while amending my return in TurboTax? TurboTax offers various support options, including community forums, help articles, and paid expert assistance (TurboTax Live). Look for the "Help" or "Support" links within the software or on their website.
