Life happens, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, we realize we've made a mistake on our tax return after we've hit that "file" button. Perhaps you forgot a deduction, found a missing W-2, or realized you entered a number incorrectly. If you used TurboTax Deluxe and now find yourself in this predicament, don't panic! It's a common situation, and thankfully, you can "undo" the mistake by filing an amended return.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of correcting your TurboTax Deluxe return, whether you've already filed or just realized an error before submission.
How to "Undo" TurboTax Deluxe: A Step-by-Step Guide
The approach to "undoing" your TurboTax Deluxe return depends crucially on whether you've already filed it with the IRS (or relevant state agency). Let's break it down.
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| How To Undo Turbotax Deluxe |
Scenario 1: You Haven't Filed Yet (Still Working on Your Return)
Whew! You've caught the error before it's gone out to the tax authorities. This is the easiest scenario to fix.
Step 1: Engage! Are you still in your TurboTax Deluxe return? Great! If not, log back in immediately to the same TurboTax account you used to prepare your taxes. This is crucial as all your information is saved there.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Return
Once logged in, you should see your current tax return.
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For TurboTax Online: Look for a link or button that says something like "Take me to my return," "Continue my return," or "My Tax Home."
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For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): Simply open the TurboTax software, and it should prompt you to open your most recent tax file.
Step 3: Identify and Correct the Error
This is where you make the changes.
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Review Your Entries: Go through each section of your return that might be affected by the error. If you know exactly where the mistake is, navigate directly to that section. For example, if you forgot to include a charitable donation, go to the "Deductions & Credits" section.
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Make the Necessary Changes: Carefully enter the correct information. TurboTax is designed to recalculate everything automatically as you make changes.
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Don't Rush: Double-check your entries. It's easy to introduce new errors when you're rushing to fix old ones.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Step 4: Re-review Your Entire Return
Even if you've only changed one small thing, it's highly recommended to do a final review of your entire return.
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Run the "Review" Feature: TurboTax has a built-in review process that checks for common errors and helps ensure accuracy. Utilize this feature.
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Check Summaries: Look at the summary pages for your income, deductions, and credits to ensure the numbers now reflect your intentions.
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Verify Refund/Tax Due: See how the correction has impacted your refund or the amount of tax you owe.
Step 5: Proceed to File (Corrected Return)
Once you are absolutely confident that all information is accurate, you can proceed with the filing process.
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E-file: If you were planning to e-file, simply continue through the filing steps as you normally would.
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Print and Mail: If you prefer to print and mail, ensure you print the new, corrected version of your return.
Scenario 2: You've Already Filed Your Return (and it's been Accepted)
This is the scenario that often leads to the question "how to undo." Once your return has been accepted by the IRS or state tax agency, you cannot simply "un-file" it. Instead, you need to file an amended tax return using IRS Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Important Considerations Before Amending:
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Wait for Acceptance: Do not file an amended return until your original return has been accepted by the IRS (and your state, if applicable). If your original return was rejected, you can simply correct it and re-file.
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Reason for Amending: Understand why you are amending. Is it to correct income, deductions, credits, or your filing status?
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Impact on State Return: If you amend your federal return, it's highly likely you'll need to amend your state return as well.
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Keep Records: Keep meticulous records of your original return and all documentation related to the changes you're making.
Step 1: Access Your Filed Return in TurboTax
Let's get started on that amendment!
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Log In: Sign in to the same TurboTax account you used to file your original return.
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Navigate to Your Tax Home: Look for "Tax Home" or similar navigation.
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Locate Your Filed Return: Scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents" and select the tax year for which you need to amend.
Step 2: Initiate the Amendment Process
TurboTax makes it relatively straightforward to start an amendment.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
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Find "Amend (change) Return": Under the specific tax year, you should see an option like "Amend (change) return" or "Amend a filed return." Click on this.
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Choose "Amend using TurboTax Online": If prompted, select this option. TurboTax will guide you through the process of creating a Form 1040-X.
Step 3: Make the Corrections
This is where you'll be updating your information.
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Follow TurboTax's Guidance: TurboTax will prompt you through a series of questions. It's designed to walk you through the areas you might need to change.
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Enter Corrected Information: When you reach the relevant sections, enter the correct information. TurboTax will show you both your original entry and the new entry, allowing you to clearly see the change.
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Be Thorough: Don't just correct the single error you identified. Go through all relevant sections to ensure all numbers are now accurate. For example, if you forgot to include a W-2, entering it will likely impact your income, withholdings, and potentially deductions or credits.
Step 4: Review Your Amended Return
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Accuracy is paramount when amending!
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Review Summary of Changes: TurboTax will present a summary of the changes you've made and how they impact your tax liability (new refund or tax due). Pay close attention to this.
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Run a Final Review: Use TurboTax's review function again to catch any potential issues with the amended return.
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Print Drafts: It's a good practice to print a draft of your amended return to review it carefully away from the screen.
Step 5: Print and Mail Your Amended Return (Form 1040-X)
Unlike original returns, federal amended returns (Form 1040-X) generally cannot be e-filed for most tax years. This means you will need to print and mail your amended return.
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Print the Form 1040-X: TurboTax will generate the completed Form 1040-X along with any supporting schedules that were affected by your changes.
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Sign and Date: Manually sign and date the Form 1040-X in the designated areas.
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Attach Supporting Documents: Attach copies of any forms or schedules that have changed or are new (e.g., a missing W-2, 1099, or new deduction documentation).
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Mail to the Correct Address: The mailing address for amended returns varies by state and the type of return. TurboTax will provide the correct mailing address. Double-check this address!
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Consider Certified Mail: For your peace of mind, consider sending your amended return via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof that the IRS received your return.
Step 6: Amend Your State Tax Return (If Applicable)
If your federal amendment impacts your state tax liability, you must also amend your state tax return.
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State-Specific Forms: Each state has its own amended return form (e.g., California's Form 540X). TurboTax will help you generate the correct state amended form.
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Follow State Instructions: The process for amending state returns is similar to federal, but ensure you follow the specific instructions provided by TurboTax for your state.
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Mail Separately: State amended returns are mailed to a different address than federal amended returns and should be sent in separate envelopes.
Key Differences: Clearing and Starting Over vs. Amending
It's important to distinguish between "clearing and starting over" and "amending."
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Clear and Start Over: This option is only available if you haven't paid for or filed your TurboTax Online return. It essentially wipes your existing data for that year, allowing you to begin fresh, potentially even with a different TurboTax product. This is useful if you made extensive errors and want a clean slate before filing.
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Amend: This is the process you undertake after your return has been filed and accepted by the tax authorities. It involves submitting Form 1040-X (and state equivalent) to correct specific information on your already filed return.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you navigate "undoing" your TurboTax Deluxe return:
How to Check if My Original Return Was Accepted?
You can usually check the status of your federal e-filed return on the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool or the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool for amended returns. TurboTax also provides e-file status updates within your account.
How to Know if I Need to Amend My State Return?
If the changes you made to your federal return (income, deductions, credits, filing status) directly affect your state tax liability, then you almost certainly need to amend your state return. TurboTax will usually alert you if a state amendment is necessary after you amend your federal return.
How to Avoid Amending in the Future?
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Double-Check All Documents: Before you even start your return, gather all W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and other tax documents.
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Enter Data Carefully: Take your time when inputting numbers. Even a misplaced decimal can cause a significant error.
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Utilize TurboTax's Review: Don't skip the final review process in TurboTax. It often catches common mistakes.
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Consider Professional Review: For complex situations, consider having a tax professional review your return before filing.
How to Find the Correct Mailing Address for Amended Returns?
TurboTax will provide the correct mailing address when you print your amended return. You can also find IRS mailing addresses for Form 1040-X on the IRS website (IRS.gov) or your state's Department of Revenue website for state amended returns.
How to Track My Amended Return After Mailing It?
You can track the status of your federal amended return using the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool. Allow at least 3 weeks after mailing for the tool to show information. State amended return tracking varies by state; check your state's tax agency website.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
How to Know When to Amend Versus Just Re-file?
If your original return was rejected by the IRS or state, you simply correct the errors in TurboTax and re-file the original return. If your original return was accepted, then you must amend by filing Form 1040-X.
How to Handle a Refund from an Amended Return?
If your amended return results in a refund, the IRS will typically mail you a check. For recent tax years, e-filed Forms 1040-X may allow for direct deposit.
How to Pay Additional Tax Due on an Amended Return?
If your amended return shows you owe more tax, you should pay it as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest. You can typically pay online through IRS Direct Pay, by mail with a check or money order, or through other payment options. TurboTax will guide you on how to make the payment.
How to Get a Copy of My Original Filed Return?
You can access and print a copy of your original filed return directly from your TurboTax account under "Your tax returns & documents" for the relevant tax year.
How to Get Help If I'm Stuck During the Amendment Process?
TurboTax offers various support options, including their online community forums, help articles, and direct customer support. For complex tax situations, consulting a qualified tax professional is always recommended.
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