Mistakes happen! Even the most meticulous tax filers can find an error or remember a forgotten detail after they've already hit that "File" button. Perhaps you discovered a new deduction, realized you misreported income, or a dependent's status changed. Whatever the reason, if you've filed your taxes with TurboTax and need to make a correction, you're in the right place. Amending your tax return is a common process, and TurboTax makes it as straightforward as possible.
Ready to fix that tax return? Let's dive in!
How to Make an Amendment on TurboTax: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Before you begin, remember that you must wait until your original tax return has been fully processed by the IRS before attempting to amend it. If your return is rejected, you can simply correct the errors and resubmit the original return. An amendment is only necessary after your initial return has been accepted.
Step 1: Accessing Your Filed Return in TurboTax
The first crucial step is to get back into your tax file. This process will vary slightly depending on whether you used TurboTax Online or TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download).
For TurboTax Online Users:
Log In: Go to the TurboTax website and log in to the same account you used to file your original return. It's vital to use the exact account to access your tax history.
Navigate to Tax Home: Once logged in, you'll typically land on your "Tax Home" screen.
Find Your Returns: Scroll down until you see "Your tax returns & documents."
Select the Year: Choose the specific tax year you need to amend. Make sure you select the correct year!
Initiate Amendment: Look for an option like "Amend (change) return" or "Amend using TurboTax Online." Click on this to begin the amendment process.
For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users:
Open the Correct Software Year: You must open the TurboTax software for the specific tax year you are amending. For example, if you're amending your 2023 return, you need the 2023 version of TurboTax Desktop.
Open Your Tax File: Open the tax file (.tax file extension) for the return you wish to amend.
Find the Amend Option: Once your return is open, look for an option like "Amend a filed return" or similar, often found under a "Tools" or "File" menu, or directly on the main screen.
Step 2: Understanding the Amendment Process and Form 1040-X
Once you initiate the amendment in TurboTax, the software will guide you. It essentially helps you prepare Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form is used to correct previously filed federal individual income tax returns.
Your Original Data: TurboTax will display your original return information. It's helpful to have a physical or PDF copy of your originally filed return handy for reference.
The "Difference" Method: Form 1040-X works by showing three columns:
Column A: Original amounts from your filed return.
Column B: The net increase or decrease for each line item that you are changing.
Column C: The corrected amounts after the amendment (Column A + Column B).
Focus on Changes: You only need to make changes to the areas of your return that are being amended. Don't re-enter your entire return unless it's absolutely necessary.
Refund Calculator Reset: The refund calculator in TurboTax will reset to $0 when you start an amendment. It will then only reflect the change in your refund or tax due as a result of the amendment. Don't be alarmed if it shows zero initially.
Step 3: Making the Necessary Corrections
This is where you'll input the specific changes that necessitate the amendment.
Identify the Error/Omission:
Missed Income: Did you forget to report a W-2, 1099, or other income? Go to the relevant income section and add it.
Forgotten Deductions/Credits: Did you realize you qualified for a deduction (like student loan interest, HSA contributions, or a specific business expense) or a credit (like an education credit or child tax credit) that you didn't claim? Navigate to the deductions and credits section and add the appropriate information.
Incorrect Filing Status: Did you use the wrong filing status (e.g., Single instead of Head of Household)? You can typically correct this in the "My Info" or "Personal Info" section.
Dependent Changes: Did you forget to add a dependent, or did their status change? Update the dependent information.
Mathematical Errors: While the IRS often catches simple math errors and corrects them, if you manually calculated something incorrectly and it significantly impacts your tax liability, you'll need to amend.
Follow TurboTax Prompts:
TurboTax will guide you through the sections where you need to make changes. It's designed to prompt you for the specific information required for Form 1040-X.
Be sure to carefully answer all follow-up questions that TurboTax presents. These questions help ensure the amendment is correctly processed.
Example: Adding a Missed Deduction
Let's say you forgot to include a significant charitable contribution.
You would navigate to the "Deductions & Credits" section.
Find the "Charitable Contributions" category.
Enter the correct, higher amount of your contributions.
TurboTax will automatically calculate the change and populate the appropriate lines on Form 1040-X.
Step 4: Explaining Your Changes
Form 1040-X requires a brief explanation for why you are amending your return. TurboTax will provide a section for this.
Be Clear and Concise: Briefly state the reason for the amendment. Examples:
"To report additional income from Form 1099-MISC."
"To claim previously omitted education credits."
"To correct filing status from Single to Head of Household."
This explanation helps the IRS understand the nature of your amendment.
Step 5: Reviewing and Finalizing Your Amended Return
This is a critical step to ensure accuracy.
Review the Summary: TurboTax will provide a summary of your amended return, showing the original amounts, the changes, and the corrected amounts. Double-check all figures carefully.
Form 1040-X Preview: You should be able to preview or print a copy of your Form 1040-X. Examine it closely to ensure all changes are accurately reflected in the correct columns.
Check for State Impact: If your federal amendment impacts your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or other federal figures, it will almost certainly affect your state tax return. TurboTax will typically prompt you to amend your state return if necessary.
Important Note: Amending a state return usually requires filing a separate state-specific amended form (e.g., Form 1040-X for federal, but a different form for your state). TurboTax will help generate this, but state amended returns often cannot be e-filed and must be printed and mailed.
Save a Copy: Always save a PDF copy of your amended federal return (Form 1040-X) and any amended state returns for your records. This is invaluable if you need to refer to it later or if the IRS has questions.
Step 6: Filing Your Amended Return
The method of filing depends on the tax year and whether you're filing federal or state.
Federal Amended Return (Form 1040-X):
E-filing: For tax years 2019 and later, if you originally e-filed your federal return through TurboTax, you can often e-file your amended federal return (Form 1040-X) as well. TurboTax will let you know if e-filing is an option. This is usually the fastest method.
Mail: If e-filing isn't available for your tax year or situation (e.g., for prior years before 2019, or if your original return was paper-filed), you will need to print and mail your Form 1040-X.
Sign and Date: Crucially, sign and date your Form 1040-X. An unsigned return will be sent back to you.
Attachments: Include any new or corrected forms or schedules that were affected by the amendment (e.g., a new Schedule A if you amended itemized deductions). You generally don't need to re-attach forms that haven't changed.
Mailing Address: The mailing address for Form 1040-X depends on where you live. TurboTax will provide the correct address, or you can find it in the Form 1040-X instructions on the IRS website.
Payment (if applicable): If your amendment results in additional tax due, you should send the payment with your mailed Form 1040-X or pay online through IRS Direct Pay. The IRS may charge interest and penalties if you don't pay on time.
State Amended Return:
Most states do not support e-filing amended returns. You will almost certainly need to print and mail your state amended return.
Separate Form: Remember, you'll typically need a separate, state-specific amendment form.
State Instructions: Follow your state's specific instructions for amending a return, including where to mail it and what documents to include. TurboTax will usually guide you through this.
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 track the status of your federal Form 1040-X using the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" online tool. You'll need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and zip code.
Processing Time: It typically takes the IRS up to 16 weeks to process an amended return. Sometimes it can take even longer. Don't panic if you don't see an update immediately. It can take up to three weeks for your amended return to even show up in their system.
State Tracking: Check your individual state's Department of Revenue website for information on tracking state amended returns.
Important Considerations:
Timing: As mentioned, wait for your original return to be accepted. Also, if you're due a refund on your original return, wait until you've received that refund before filing an amendment, especially if the amendment reduces your refund or results in tax due.
Statute of Limitations: Generally, you have three years from the date you filed your original return (or the original due date, if you filed early) or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later, to file an amended return to claim a refund.
No Need for Small Errors: If the error is minor and doesn't impact your tax liability (e.g., a transposed digit in an address that doesn't affect calculations), you usually do not need to amend your return. The IRS will often correct minor clerical errors.
Keep Records: Always maintain meticulous records of your original return, the amended return, supporting documents, and any correspondence with the IRS or state tax authorities.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate the process of amending your tax return using TurboTax. It might seem daunting, but TurboTax simplifies a complex process, guiding you through each stage.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about amending tax returns with TurboTax:
How to know if I need to amend my tax return?
You need to amend your return if you discover an error or omission that affects your tax liability, your refund amount, or key information like your filing status or number of dependents. Minor math errors are often corrected by the IRS and don't require an amendment.
How to amend a state tax return in TurboTax?
After amending your federal return in TurboTax (if applicable), the software will usually prompt you to amend your state return if the federal changes impact it. You'll then navigate through your state's specific amendment process within TurboTax, which typically involves generating a state-specific amended form that you'll need to print and mail.
How to track my amended federal tax return after filing?
You can track your federal amended return using the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" online tool on IRS.gov. You'll need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and zip code. Allow at least three weeks after mailing your return for it to appear in the system.
How to find my original tax return in TurboTax for amendment?
For TurboTax Online, log in to your account, go to "Tax Home," then "Your tax returns & documents," and select the year you need. For TurboTax Desktop, open the software for the correct tax year and open the original .tax file you saved.
How to add a forgotten W-2 or 1099 after filing with TurboTax?
To add a forgotten W-2 or 1099, you'll start the amendment process in TurboTax, then navigate to the income section. You can then add the new income document, and TurboTax will automatically adjust your return and populate Form 1040-X with the changes.
How to correct a wrong filing status on an already filed TurboTax return?
Initiate an amendment in TurboTax, then go to the "Personal Info" or "My Info" section. You should be able to edit your filing status there. TurboTax will then recalculate your tax liability based on the corrected status and prepare Form 1040-X.
How to file an amended return if I used TurboTax for a prior year?
You will need to use the TurboTax software (online or desktop) for the specific prior year you are amending. Log into your account or open the corresponding year's desktop software and locate the option to amend a filed return.
How to pay additional tax due after amending with TurboTax?
If your amended return results in additional tax due, you can often pay online via IRS Direct Pay, or by mailing a check or money order with Form 1040-X. TurboTax will provide instructions on how to submit payment if you mail your return.
How to know if an error is significant enough to amend my tax return?
An error is significant enough to amend if it changes your tax liability (the amount you owe or your refund), your adjusted gross income (AGI), or important information like your filing status or the number of dependents. Small, inconsequential errors (e.g., minor address typo) usually don't require an amendment.
How to save a copy of my amended return in TurboTax?
After completing the amendment process, TurboTax will allow you to save or print a PDF copy of your amended federal return (Form 1040-X) and any amended state returns. It's highly recommended to save these for your records.