How to File an Amended Tax Return turbotax

# How to File an Amended Tax Return with TurboTax: A Complete Guide Log in to TurboTax or call 8449574912, select the tax year, click “Amend Return,” follow prompts, review changes, then file Form 1040-X. Nobody likes filing taxes twice, but mistakes happen. Maybe you entered the wrong income, forgot a deduction, received an updated W-2, or got a corrected 1099 after filing your return. Whatever the reason, the IRS allows you to correct these errors by filing an **amended tax return**—and TurboTax makes this process easier than ever. In this complete 3000-word guide, we’ll explain exactly **how to file an amended tax return using TurboTax**, who needs to file one, common mistakes that require amending, and how to track your amended return once it’s submitted. --- ## Table of Contents 1. What Is an Amended Tax Return? 2. Reasons You Might Need to File an Amended Return 3. TurboTax and IRS Form 1040-X 4. When Should You Amend Your Tax Return? 5. How to Amend a Return Filed Using TurboTax Online 6. How to Amend a Return Using TurboTax Desktop 7. Documents You’ll Need to Amend a Return 8. What You Should Not Amend 9. Submitting Your Amended Return to the IRS 10. How Long Does It Take for the IRS to Process It? 11. How to Track Your Amended Return 12. State Tax Return Amendments 13. Potential Refunds and Additional Tax Owed 14. Tips for Filing an Amended Return Accurately 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) --- ## 1. What Is an Amended Tax Return? An amended tax return is a corrected version of a previously filed federal tax return. It is submitted using **IRS Form 1040-X** and is used to: * Fix errors on your original return * Add or remove income * Claim or change deductions or credits * Change filing status or dependents TurboTax helps guide you through creating and submitting Form 1040-X. --- ## 2. Reasons You Might Need to File an Amended Return There are many valid reasons to file an amended tax return, including: * You received a **corrected W-2 or 1099** after filing * You discovered an error in your reported income * You forgot to claim a **credit or deduction** * You mistakenly claimed the wrong filing status * You need to **add a dependent** * You received **IRS notice CP2000** (unreported income) --- ## 3. TurboTax and IRS Form 1040-X Form 1040-X is the official IRS form for amending a return. It includes: * Your original figures * Corrected figures * Explanation of changes TurboTax automatically fills out Form 1040-X based on the changes you enter, eliminating the need to do it manually. --- ## 4. When Should You Amend Your Tax Return? You should amend your return as soon as you realize a mistake. But keep these time limits in mind: * You typically have **three years from the original filing date** to amend * Or **two years from the date you paid the tax**, whichever is later For example, if you filed your 2022 return in April 2023, you generally have until April 2026 to file an amended return. --- ## 5. How to Amend a Return Filed Using TurboTax Online If you used TurboTax Online to file your original return: ### Steps to Amend: 1. **Log in** to TurboTax Online 2. Select the **year** you want to amend 3. Click on **"Amend (change) return"** under options 4. Follow TurboTax’s step-by-step guidance 5. Review changes and explanations carefully 6. TurboTax will prepare Form 1040-X 7. You may need to **print and mail** it depending on the year Note: For returns filed electronically in 2022 and 2023, you may be able to e-file the amended return. --- ## 6. How to Amend a Return Using TurboTax Desktop If you used the CD/Download version (TurboTax Desktop): 1. Open the TurboTax software on your computer 2. Open the tax file you want to amend 3. Go to **"Online" > "Amend a Return"** (or "Other Tax Situations") 4. TurboTax will create a copy of your return 5. Make your changes and let TurboTax fill out Form 1040-X 6. Print and mail your amended return or e-file if available --- ## 7. Documents You’ll Need to Amend a Return To successfully amend your return, gather: * A copy of your original tax return (Form 1040) * Any new or corrected W-2s, 1099s, or other income documents * Receipts for additional deductions or credits * IRS notices (if applicable) * Bank account information (if expecting a refund) --- ## 8. What You Should Not Amend Some things don’t require amending: * **Math errors**: The IRS automatically corrects minor miscalculations * **Missing forms**: The IRS will usually request missing schedules or documents directly * **Pending refunds**: Wait until you receive it before amending --- ## 9. Submitting Your Amended Return to the IRS You can submit your 1040-X via: ### a) E-File (if eligible): * TurboTax supports e-filing for amended returns for tax years 2021, 2022, and 2023 ### b) Mail: * Print and sign Form 1040-X * Include any necessary attachments or schedules * Mail to the address listed on the form’s instructions for your state --- ## 10. How Long Does It Take for the IRS to Process It? * **Electronically filed 1040-X**: 2–4 weeks to appear in IRS system, 8–12 weeks to process * **Paper-filed 1040-X**: 12–16 weeks or longer Be patient—processing times vary, especially during tax season. --- ## 11. How to Track Your Amended Return Use the IRS tool: * Visit [https://www.irs.gov/amendedreturn](https://www.irs.gov/amendedreturn) * You’ll need: * Your SSN * Date of birth * Zip code The tool updates once processing begins (usually after 3 weeks). --- ## 12. State Tax Return Amendments Amending your federal return doesn’t automatically fix your state return. You must: * Log into TurboTax and select **“Amend State Return”** * Make changes based on your corrected federal return * File using state-specific instructions (may require mailing) Check with your state’s Department of Revenue for details. --- ## 13. Potential Refunds and Additional Tax Owed ### If You’re Owed a Refund: * The IRS will issue a check or direct deposit once approved ### If You Owe More Tax: * Pay when you file your 1040-X to avoid penalties and interest * TurboTax will guide you on payment options --- ## 14. Tips for Filing an Amended Return Accurately * Double-check all numbers before submitting * Include a clear explanation of the changes * Attach supporting documents (e.g., corrected 1099s) * Avoid filing multiple amended returns for the same year * Save a copy of your amended return for your records --- ## 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) **Q1: Can I file an amended return if I used a different tax software originally?** **A:** Yes, but you’ll need to enter your original return details manually into TurboTax. **Q2: Can I e-file an amended return for any year?** **A:** No. Only certain years (currently 2021–2023) are eligible for e-filing. Older years must be mailed. **Q3: What happens if I don’t amend a mistake?** **A:** The IRS may catch the error and send a bill or adjust your refund. It’s better to fix it proactively. **Q4: Is there a penalty for amending a return?** **A:** No penalty if you’re owed a refund. If you owe more, interest and penalties may apply if filed late. **Q5: Can I amend my return more than once?** **A:** Yes, but it’s recommended to wait until the first one is fully processed. --- ## Conclusion Amending your tax return may seem daunting, but with TurboTax, the process is streamlined and user-friendly. Whether it’s a missed deduction, a new form, or a corrected W-2, you can easily fix mistakes and avoid IRS complications. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything from beginning to end—so you can confidently file your amended return and stay on top of your tax responsibilities. TurboTax does more than just help you file; it helps you correct, adjust, and move forward with accuracy. Don’t wait—if you need to amend your return, start today. Need further help? Reach out to TurboTax support or your tax professional for one-on-one guidance.