Amending your tax return can feel like a daunting task, but it's a necessary step if you've discovered an error or missed information after filing. Luckily, TurboTax makes the process as straightforward as possible. Whether you forgot a W-2, found a new deduction, or realized you used the wrong filing status, this comprehensive guide will walk you through amending your taxes on TurboTax, step by painstaking step.
Step 1: Pause and Breathe: Do You Even Need to Amend?
Before you dive into the world of Form 1040-X, take a moment. Not every mistake requires an amended return! The IRS often automatically corrects mathematical or clerical errors on your original return. For example, if you simply transposed a couple of numbers on your W-2 income, the IRS might catch it and adjust your tax bill or refund accordingly, sending you a notice.
However, you absolutely will need to amend if:
You missed reporting significant income (like freelance earnings or a 1099 form that arrived late).
You forgot to claim a credit or deduction you were eligible for (e.g., education credits, child tax credit, student loan interest).
You used the wrong filing status (e.g., filed as Single when you should have been Head of Household).
The number of dependents you claimed was incorrect.
You need to change your Social Security number or your spouse's.
If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and consider amending.
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| How To Amend Your Taxes On Turbotax |
Step 2: Gather Your Arsenal: What You'll Need
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Just like preparing your original return, amending requires some key documents to ensure accuracy. Don't start until you have these handy:
Your Original Tax Return: This is paramount! You'll need the exact figures from your originally filed return to compare against your new, corrected figures. If you filed with TurboTax, you can easily access this within your account. If not, you might need to request a tax transcript from the IRS.
Any New or Corrected Documents: This includes any new W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, K-1s, or other income statements that you didn't include or that were incorrect on your original filing.
Supporting Documentation for New Deductions/Credits: If you're now claiming a deduction or credit you missed, have the relevant receipts, statements, or other proof (e.g., medical bills, charitable donation receipts, mortgage interest statements, tuition statements).
The Same Year's TurboTax Software (for Desktop users): If you used the CD/download version, you'll need that specific year's software to open and amend your return.
Step 3: Entering the TurboTax Amendment Zone
The process for amending varies slightly depending on whether you used TurboTax Online or the Desktop software.
Sub-heading 3.1: For TurboTax Online Users
This is generally the most straightforward path.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Log In: Go to the TurboTax website and log in to the same account you used to file your original return.
Navigate to Your Returns: Once logged in, go to your Tax Home. Scroll down until you see "Your tax returns & documents."
Select the Year: Find the tax year you need to amend and select it.
Initiate the Amendment: Look for an option like "Amend (change) return" or "Amend using TurboTax Online." Click on it.
Follow the Prompts: TurboTax will then guide you through the process. It will essentially reopen your original return. The key here is to only make changes to the specific areas that need amending. Don't re-enter everything from scratch.
As you make changes, the software will automatically start populating Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form has three columns:
Column A: Shows the original amounts from your return.
Column B: Shows the net change (increase or decrease) caused by your amendments.
Column C: Shows the correct, amended amounts (Column A +/- Column B).
Carefully Review: After making your changes, TurboTax will prompt you to review everything. This is a critical step. Ensure all your new information is accurately reflected and that the explanation for the changes (which TurboTax often helps formulate) is clear.
State Return Impact: If your federal changes impact your state tax return, TurboTax will usually guide you through amending your state return as well. Most states require you to amend your federal return first before tackling the state.
Sub-heading 3.2: For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users
Amending with the desktop software requires you to use the specific year's program you originally used to file.
Open the Correct Year's Software: Launch the TurboTax Desktop software for the tax year you need to amend.
Open Your Original File: Open the tax file (
.taxextension) that you used to file your original return.Save a Copy (Recommended!): Before making any changes, it's a very good idea to save a copy of your original return file. Go to File > Save As (or Duplicate on a Mac) and save it with a name like "Original Return 20XX." This way, you always have a pristine copy of what you originally filed.
Initiate the Amendment: In the open original file, look for an option like "Amend a filed return" or "Amend a return after it was filed and accepted by the IRS." This is usually found under a "Tools" or "File" menu, or sometimes directly on the home screen after opening your return.
Confirm Filing Status: TurboTax will ask if you already filed your return. Select Yes.
Tell TurboTax What Changed: You'll be presented with options like "What do you need to change on your return?" Select the appropriate section (e.g., "Income," "Deductions," "Credits").
Make Your Corrections: Navigate to the specific forms or sections where you need to make changes. Just like with TurboTax Online, the software will automatically update Form 1040-X as you input new or corrected information.
Review and Explain: Go through the entire review process. Ensure that your changes are accurate and that the explanation for the amendment on Form 1040-X is clear and concise.
Step 4: Finalizing and Filing Your Amended Return
Once you've made all your corrections and reviewed them thoroughly:
Review Your Amended Return: TurboTax will present you with the completed Form 1040-X and any other forms that were affected by your changes. Take your time and scrutinize every detail. Make sure Column A matches your original return, Column B shows the exact differences, and Column C reflects the correct, updated figures.
E-File or Mail?
E-filing: For tax years 2019 and later, the IRS generally allows e-filing of Form 1040-X if you originally e-filed your federal return. TurboTax will typically support this option. E-filing is usually faster and more convenient.
Mailing: For tax years prior to 2019, or if your specific situation doesn't allow e-filing (TurboTax will inform you if this is the case), you will need to print and mail your amended return.
Print Everything: Print out Form 1040-X and any other forms or schedules that were modified, along with any supporting documentation (e.g., new W-2s, receipts).
Sign and Date: Make sure you sign and date Form 1040-X. Both spouses must sign a joint return.
Include Payment (if applicable): If your amended return results in additional tax due, include a check or money order made payable to the "United States Treasury" (or pay online via IRS Direct Pay) and attach Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.
Mail to the Correct IRS Address: The mailing address depends on your location. The instructions for Form 1040-X will provide the correct address for your area. Consider sending it via certified mail with a return receipt for proof of mailing.
Amended State Return (if applicable): If your federal amendment affected your state taxes, you'll need to amend your state return separately. TurboTax will guide you through this process as well. Most states do not support e-filing amended returns, so be prepared to print and mail these.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Step 5: The Waiting Game: Tracking Your Amended Return
Unlike original returns, amended returns take a significantly longer time to process.
IRS Processing Time: The IRS states that amended returns (Form 1040-X) can take up to 16 weeks to process. In some cases, it can take even longer, especially if there are complexities or if the IRS needs to request additional information.
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?" tool online (irs.gov/wheres-my-amended-return). You'll need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and ZIP code. It can take up to 3 weeks for your amended return to even show up in their system after you've filed it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Amending Taxes on TurboTax
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about amending your taxes with quick answers:
How to know if I need to amend my tax return? You need to amend if you discover a significant error that affects your tax liability, such as unreported income, missed deductions/credits, or an incorrect filing status. The IRS typically corrects minor math errors automatically.
How to find my original tax return if I filed with TurboTax Online? Log in to your TurboTax account, go to "Tax Home," and then "Your tax returns & documents." Select the year you need to amend.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
How to start an amended return in TurboTax Desktop? Open the correct year's TurboTax Desktop software, open your original tax file, and then look for an option like "Amend a filed return" under the File or Tools menu.
How to make changes on Form 1040-X within TurboTax? TurboTax automatically populates Form 1040-X as you make corrections to your original return within the software. You just focus on updating the incorrect information, and TurboTax handles the form.
How to explain the reason for amending my tax return in TurboTax? TurboTax will typically guide you in selecting or formulating a brief explanation for your amendment as part of the filing process, which will be included in Part III of Form 1040-X.
How to file my amended return after preparing it in TurboTax? For tax years 2019 and later, you can generally e-file your amended federal return via TurboTax if your original was e-filed. For prior years or specific situations, TurboTax will instruct you to print and mail Form 1040-X with any supporting documents.
How to check the status of my amended tax return? Use the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" online tool (irs.gov/wheres-my-amended-return) three weeks after filing. You'll need your SSN, date of birth, and ZIP code.
How to know if my federal amendment affects my state taxes? If your federal amendment changes your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or impacts deductions/credits that your state tax return relies on, then it will likely affect your state taxes. TurboTax will usually alert you and guide you through amending your state return.
How to handle a refund or payment after amending? If you're due a refund, the IRS will issue it after processing your amended return. If you owe additional tax, you should pay it by the original tax due date (if amending before it) or when you file the amended return to avoid penalties and interest.
How to amend a prior-year tax return not originally filed with TurboTax? You can still use TurboTax to prepare the amended return. You'll first need to manually enter your original return's details into TurboTax to match what you initially filed, then proceed with the amendment process.
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