Have you ever hit "submit" on your tax return, only to realize moments later that you forgot to include a crucial piece of income, a significant deduction, or perhaps even made a mistake with your filing status? Don't panic! It's a common scenario, and thankfully, the IRS has a process for correcting these errors: filing an amended tax return. And if you used TurboTax for your original filing, the good news is they make the amendment process relatively straightforward.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to use TurboTax to file an amended federal (Form 1040-X) and potentially state tax return. Let's get started!
How to Use TurboTax to File an Amended Return: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Don't Rush – Wait for Your Original Return to Process!
Hold on a second! Before you even think about amending, it's absolutely crucial that your original tax return has been fully processed by the IRS. If you're expecting a refund, wait until you've received it. If you owed taxes, ensure your payment has cleared. Trying to amend a return that's still "pending" can cause significant confusion and delays.
Why is this important? The IRS needs to have your initial return on file to correctly process any changes you submit. If you amend too soon, it might create a messy situation where two different versions of your return are being processed simultaneously.
How do I know it's processed?
Refund: If you received your refund, your return is processed.
Payment: If your payment has been successfully debited from your account, your return is processed.
IRS Tool: You can also check the status of your original return using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool or "Where's My Amended Return?" for amended returns. However, for the original return, wait for the refund or payment confirmation.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents and Identify the Changes
This is where the detective work begins! To file an accurate amended return, you'll need a clear picture of what went wrong and what needs to be fixed.
Sub-heading 2.1: Locate Your Original Tax Return
You'll need a copy of the original tax return you filed through TurboTax. This includes your Form 1040 (or 1040-SR, 1040-NR) and any supporting schedules (like Schedule A for itemized deductions, Schedule C for self-employment income, etc.).
Where to find it: If you used TurboTax Online, log into your account and navigate to the "Tax Home" or "Your Tax Returns & Documents" section for the relevant tax year. If you used TurboTax Desktop (CD/download), open the software and load your saved tax file.
Sub-heading 2.2: Identify the Error(s)
What exactly did you miss or get wrong? Be very specific. Common reasons for amending include:
Missing Income: Received a W-2, 1099, or other income statement after you filed.
Incorrect Deductions/Credits: Forgot to claim a deduction (e.g., student loan interest, HSA contributions) or a credit (e.g., child tax credit, education credit) you were eligible for. Maybe you claimed one incorrectly.
Change in Filing Status: You filed as Single but realized you qualify for Head of Household, or vice versa, due to a life event.
Incorrect Dependents: You forgot to add a dependent, or mistakenly included someone who doesn't qualify.
Updated Information: You received a corrected W-2c or 1099-MISC.
Sub-heading 2.3: Gather Supporting Documentation for the Changes
For every change you're making, you'll need new or corrected documents to support it. For example:
If you're reporting missing income, you'll need the W-2 or 1099 form.
If you're claiming a new deduction, gather receipts, statements, or other proof.
If you're adjusting a credit, ensure you have documentation that validates your eligibility.
Step 3: Initiate the Amendment Process in TurboTax
Now, let's get into the software itself. The steps vary slightly depending on whether you used TurboTax Online or the Desktop version.
Sub-heading 3.1: For TurboTax Online Users
Log In: Go to the TurboTax website and sign in to your account.
Access Your Return: From your "Tax Home," scroll down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents" and select the tax year you need to amend.
Start the Amendment: Look for a link or button that says "Amend (change) return" or "Amend (change) your return." It might be under a "More" or "Other Tax Tools" dropdown menu.
Confirm and Proceed: TurboTax will likely ask you to confirm that you want to amend and provide some initial information. Follow the prompts. It will often ask for the reason for your amendment (e.g., "Something else," "IRS or state sent me a notice"). Choose the option that best fits your situation.
Sub-heading 3.2: For TurboTax Desktop Users (CD/Download)
Open Software: Launch your TurboTax Desktop software for the specific tax year you need to amend.
Load Your Return: Open the tax file (
.taxextension) for the return you want to amend.Start Amendment: Go to the "File" menu at the top of the screen. Look for an option like "Amend a filed return" or "Amend (Form 1040-X)."
Follow Prompts: TurboTax will guide you through the initial steps, often asking if your original return was already filed and accepted. Select "Yes, I've already filed my return."
Step 4: Make Your Corrections in TurboTax
This is the core of the amendment process. TurboTax will guide you through revisiting specific sections of your original return to make the necessary changes.
Sub-heading 4.1: Navigate to the Affected Sections
Once you've initiated the amendment, TurboTax will effectively "reopen" your return. However, it will be in a special "amended return" mode.
The software will prompt you to go to the specific areas where you need to make changes. Do not re-enter your entire return. Only focus on the sections that are different from your original filing.
Example: If you forgot to report a 1099-DIV, navigate to the "Interest and Dividends" section and add the new information. If you found a new deduction, go to the "Deductions & Credits" section and enter the details.
Sub-heading 4.2: Understanding Form 1040-X in TurboTax
While you're making changes within the regular TurboTax interview, behind the scenes, TurboTax is automatically populating Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
This form has three columns:
Column A: Original Amount: This column shows the figures from your originally filed return. TurboTax will pre-fill this based on your saved return.
Column B: Net Change: This is where the difference between your original amount and your new, corrected amount will appear. TurboTax calculates this as you make adjustments.
Column C: Correct Amount: This column displays the new, corrected amount after factoring in your changes.
Crucially: TurboTax will also require you to provide a brief explanation for each change in Part III of Form 1040-X. Be clear and concise about why you are amending (e.g., "Forgot to include 1099-NEC," "Added qualified education expenses").
Step 5: Review Your Amended Return (Form 1040-X)
Once you've made all your corrections, TurboTax will guide you to a review section. This is a critical step to ensure accuracy.
Sub-heading 5.1: Review the Numbers Carefully
Pay close attention to the Column B (Net Change) and Column C (Correct Amount) on Form 1040-X. Do these numbers accurately reflect the changes you intended to make?
Compare the new figures to your supporting documents.
Double-check your income, deductions, and credits. A small mistake here can lead to further issues.
Sub-heading 5.2: Verify Your Explanation
Read the "Explanation of Changes" section (Part III) on Form 1040-X. Is the explanation clear, concise, and accurate? This helps the IRS understand your amendment quickly.
Step 6: File Your Amended Return
After a thorough review, it's time to submit your amended return.
Sub-heading 6.1: E-filing vs. Paper Filing
E-filing: For tax years 2019 and later, the IRS allows e-filing of Form 1040-X if your original return was also e-filed. TurboTax generally supports e-filing federal amended returns if you e-filed the original. This is usually the fastest and most recommended method.
Paper Filing: If your original return was paper-filed, or for older tax years (prior to 2019), or if TurboTax doesn't support e-filing for your specific situation, you will need to paper file.
TurboTax will provide you with instructions on how to print your Form 1040-X and any supporting schedules.
You'll need to sign and date the return.
Mail to the Correct IRS Address: The mailing address for Form 1040-X depends on where you live. TurboTax will usually provide the correct address, but you can always verify it on the IRS website (irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-form-1040x).
Include any supporting documents: Attach copies of any new W-2s, 1099s, or other forms that justify your changes.
Sub-heading 6.2: State Amended Returns
Don't Forget Your State! If your federal amendment impacts your state tax liability (e.g., changes in income, deductions, or credits), you will likely need to file an amended state tax return as well.
TurboTax and State Amendments: TurboTax can also help you prepare amended state returns. The process is similar to federal amendments within the software.
E-filing State Amendments: E-filing state amended returns is less common than federal. Many states still require paper filing for amended returns. TurboTax will inform you if your state allows e-filing.
Step 7: Pay Any Additional Tax Due (If Applicable)
If your amended return results in you owing more tax, you'll need to pay it.
Payment Options:
IRS Direct Pay: The easiest way to pay federal taxes directly from your bank account (irs.gov/payments).
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): For businesses and individuals.
Check or Money Order: If mailing a paper Form 1040-X, you can include a check or money order payable to the "U.S. Treasury."
Avoid Penalties & Interest: Pay any additional tax due as soon as possible to avoid potential penalties and interest charges. The IRS may charge interest on underpayments even if you file an amended return.
Step 8: Track Your Amended Return
Filing an amended return requires patience. The IRS states that it can take significantly longer to process an amended return than an original return.
"Where's My Amended Return?" Tool: The IRS offers an online tool called "Where's My Amended Return?" You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code to check the status.
Processing Time:
It typically takes about 3 weeks for the IRS to acknowledge receipt of a paper-filed Form 1040-X in their system.
Once received, processing can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks, and in some cases, even up to 16 weeks or more.
Don't Call Too Soon: The IRS advises against calling them about the status of your amended return unless the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool directs you to do so, or if it has been longer than the stated processing times.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check the Status of My Amended Return?
You can check the status of your federal amended return using the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool online (irs.gov/wheres-my-amended-return). You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code.
How to Know if I Need to Amend My Tax Return?
You need to amend your tax return if you discover an error or omission that affects your tax liability, such as incorrect income, deductions, credits, or filing status. Minor arithmetic errors usually don't require an amendment, as the IRS will typically correct them.
How to Get a Copy of My Original Tax Return from TurboTax?
Log in to your TurboTax account, go to "Tax Home," and then navigate to "Your Tax Returns & Documents." You can view and download PDFs of your filed returns from there. For Desktop users, the file is saved on your computer.
How to File an Amended State Tax Return with TurboTax?
After amending your federal return in TurboTax, the program will prompt you if a state amendment is necessary. You'll then go through a similar process for your state return, often requiring paper filing for state amendments.
How to Pay Additional Tax After Amending My Return?
If you owe more tax after amending, you can pay via IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or by mailing a check or money order with your paper-filed Form 1040-X.
How to Correct My Tax Return if It Was Rejected by the IRS?
If your original return was rejected, you do not file an amended return. Instead, you correct the errors that caused the rejection (e.g., incorrect AGI, wrong SSN) and re-transmit the original return. TurboTax will guide you through this.
How to Amend a Prior Year's Tax Return with TurboTax?
You can typically amend federal returns for the current tax year and up to three prior years using TurboTax. Access the specific tax year in your TurboTax account (online) or by opening the relevant software version (desktop).
How to Avoid Penalties When Filing an Amended Return?
To avoid penalties and interest, file your amended return and pay any additional tax due as soon as you discover the error. The IRS may charge interest on underpayments from the original due date, but prompt payment can minimize penalties.
How long does it take for the IRS to process an amended return?
The IRS generally takes 8 to 12 weeks to process an amended return (Form 1040-X), but it can sometimes take up to 16 weeks or even longer.
How to Know if There's a Fee to Amend a Return with TurboTax?
There is generally no additional fee to amend a tax return originally prepared using TurboTax, unless the changes you make require you to upgrade to a higher version of the software than you originally used.