Can I amend my 2017 return in turbo tax, for information purposes, but not file it?

[hal-kazi]

I filed my 2017 Return using turbo tax, and then amended it and filed it through a tax accountant. Can I amend my 2017 tax return in turbo tax, for information purposes, and continue using it to file my 2018 tax return?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Yes but you can’t do it in the Online versions.  Only if you have the 2017 Desktop program.  In fact you should amend 2017 to match the accountant’s return.  Then for 2018 start a new return and transfer from the amended return.

[hal-kazi]

Do I have to buy the desktop version? How can I check which version to buy? After amending, will it automaticall show up in the online version for 2018?

[VolvoGirl]

No.  It shows you are in the Desktop Home & Business version for 2018.  Is that right?

  I assumed you might have used the Desktop program for 2017 too.  Guess you used the online version?  You can’t update your online account with the amended return.  

You will have to manually make any changes to your 2018 return if the amended return affects anything this year.

[hal-kazi]

I filed using the online version - for Self-Employed. But I am given two choices to download Desktop version - Home & Business or Premier. which one would I use?

[VolvoGirl]

Home & Business.  That will create a .tax2017 file on your computer which you can use to transfer into 2018 instead of the original online return.  But it won’t upload or change your online account.

Are you using online or Desktop for 2018?

[hal-kazi]

Online

[VolvoGirl]

Then I wouldn’t bother amending 2017 at all.  You are not going to be filing it and you can’t update your online account with it.  Just do 2018 as normal.  Why did you need to amend 2017?  It may not affect 2018.