How can I edit my 2018 return? I do not want to amend it.

[benedicteleo]

I want to make a minor edit to my 2018 return. I've already paid TurboTax and I've generated the pdf for paper filing, but I have not yet sent it to the IRS (I have filed an extension). How can I edit my return (not amend it)? Is it possible? One would hope it is...

[mesquitebean]

Does TurboTax think you are finished, so your return is closed? 

If you have not actually filed the 2018 return (have not efiled and have not actually filed by mail), then here's how to open your return back up to continue working on it or even change filing methods, if desired.

• Log in and at the Tax Home go to the section "Your Tax Returns & Documents."
• Click on that line or the word SHOW to expand that section.
• Under 2018, look for a link "Add a State" and click. (that doesn't really add one; that's just to open the return back up.)
  
• Once the return is open, you can resume working on your return to make any corrections.
• If you make changes on the Federal side, review the screens in your State Taxes as well to be sure the changes are reflected on that side.
  
• Then go through the REVIEW tab to be sure all is still in order.
• Then go through the FILE tab to choose a filing method, etc.
• If filing by mail, it should prompt you to print the return and filing instructions.
  
• If efiling, be sure you go all the way to the end to the final screen and click the button "Transmit My Returns Now".
  
  

NOTE:  Do NOT use this method to open a return to make changes/edits to an already-filed return (one that has actually been mailed or efiled.)   If you later need to make changes to an already-filed return, you have to go through the formal amending process, and your return must start off exactly as originally filed.

[benedicteleo]

Thank you for your response. This doesn't work because TT thinks my return is finished/closed. But I have not mailed it. When I follow the steps, it shows federal return $0, and nothing can be changed...

When I look under "Your tax returns and documents", I see "Filed Federal Tax Return, return status: Printed." That can't mean TT sent my form away, can it? That would be very bad because I had extra forms to append.

[mesquitebean]

"Printed" simply means you simply printed for viewing or mailing.  It doesn't mean sent.

The steps above are the normal way to open a return back up that hasn't been filed.  Are you sure you didn't click on "amend" anywhere before you asked your question here (hopefully not.)

[benedicteleo]

I did click on amend, because I tried every option possible. What did that do?

[benedicteleo]

I see I can download a .tax file. Could I fix it this way?

[mesquitebean]

First, you can cancel/undo the amended return which gets rid of the Form 1040X.   After that, then put everything back like it was, then make the changes in the original return like you need.

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2552802-how-do-i-cancel-or-undo-an-amended-return-in-turbotax-onli...>

[mesquitebean]

Also be sure to go over your state return well to see if it was affected by all this.

[mesquitebean]

@benedicteleo
I saw you return to this thread a couple of times as though you might be trying to reply.

 I'm wondering if the quirky forum spam filter flagged you by mistake because it thought you were posting too frequently.  It is way too sensitive, and has a problem with that sometimes, and we have complained about it.   It may reset after a while, and then you should be able to post again.

[benedicteleo]

You are exactly right. Your solution worked and I wanted to thank you, but I couldn't. So thank you!

[mesquitebean]

Great news!  I'm glad you got it straightened out.  You're welcome.  Good luck.