Do I have to pay a tax bill if my amended return has me getting a refund?

[jakemiels]

I had a tax requirement, but then made an amendment and should be getting a federal return. I still got a bill in the mail for the original amount plus penalties and interest. Do I need to pay this bill?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you still need to pay the first original tax due by April 15.   So it is now late.

You will still get the refund from the first original return or still need to pay the first tax due.  In fact you should not even amend until the first return has fully processed and you get the first refund or your tax due payment has cleared.  

Then the amended return is only for the difference you get back or owe.  I think the cover sheet shows what the original return WOULD have been if you did it right the first time.

Go by the actual 1040X.  Line 18 should be your original refund amount and line 22 should be your additional refund.  If you paid on your original return it will be on line 16.  If there is an amount owed with the amendment, it will be on line 20.