One of my dependents wasn’t filed on my taxes! I have two dependents total. My taxes have already been submitted and accepted. I was told I had to amend to add my other dependent. I’ve never had to amend a tax return before so I am not really sure how this works. When I amend and get the amended return approved will it also add the dependent on my transcript too? Are there extra steps I need to take to make sure both of my dependents are on my transcript? Thanks in advance!
Did you click that big orange button that said “Transmit my return now?” If you did that, you cannot do anything to fix it yet. You have to wait for the email that tells you if your return was accepted or rejected. Those emails will not start coming in until the IRS begins to accept/reject e-files in late January. If you do not see an email, check your spam folder.
You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it. It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner. The IRS does not allow you to take it back.
If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.” The changes will go nowhere.
Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return. If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return.
If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund. THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally. You will need to use a form called a 1040X.
Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself. Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed
Will everything be adjusted in my transcript after the amended return gets processed?
A return transcript shows most lines from the original tax return as it was processed. Changes made to the original return after it was processed are not reflected, including any amended returns filed later.
What does that mean though? They won’t add my missing dependent to my transcript after i amend it?
That’s correct.
A Tax Return Transcript doesn't show changes that have been made after you filed your original return.
Please see Tax Return Transcript on the IRS’ Transcript Types and Ways to Order Them page for more detail.
Yes. A Tax Account Transcript shows basic data such as return type, marital status, adjusted gross income, taxable income and all payment types. It also shows changes made after you filed your original return. This transcript is available for the current tax year and up to 10 prior years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T.
How long do transcripts last before they are permanently gone?
They are never permanently gone. The IRS gives you the option to "continue" and use Get Transcript Online.
So they won’t add my missing dependent on my original return transcript after it gets amended? Will there be anything on there saying it has been adjusted?
Without knowing what data might be on whichever transcript type you order, there are a couple of IRS resources that might be helpful.
The IRS has made public its Document 11734, Transaction Codes Pocket Guide that might help you sort out what's going on.
You can also see the IRS's Master File Codes for potentially relevant information.
You’ll notice that neither of these documents is particularly recent.