Forgot to add the US-China tax treaty $5000 deduction to my 2017 tax return. How to amend it? Thx!

[SHINY]

Hi TurboTax, I just realized that I forgot to add the US-China tax treaty $5000 deduction (for F-visa, no matter resident alien or non-resident alien status) to my 2017 tax return. I used 1040EZ last year and I was on F-status for whole 2017 calendar year. I should have received more money back for 2017 tax return, which makes me so sad... Therefore, I am wondering that what can I do to amend my 2017 tax return at this moment? Please advise! Also, my status changed to H working visa since 2018 October, can I still enjoy the $5000 treaty deduction for the upcoming 2018 tax file? Thank you!!

[belover1111]

Hi! Have you figured out how to amend? I also forgot to claim tax treaty for my 2017 return. Can we amend with turbotax amend app? I downloaded the app, but I did not find the place where we should enter the amount of the tax treaty amount.

[Critter]

To claim the tax treaty on a resident return:

1. File as a resident alien for tax purposes using Form 1040.
2. Complete all applicable income lines and include any amounts that are tax treaty exempt.
3. On Line 21 (Other Income), enter in a negative number for the total amount of the tax treaty exemption being claimed.

Here's how to enter it in TurboTax.

·         Click the Federal Taxes tab ( Personal in the Home & Business version)

·         Click Wages & Income. (Personal income in the H & B version)

·         On the screen "Your 2017 Income Summary," scroll all the way down to the last section, "Less Common Income."

·         Click the Start or Update button for the last topic, "Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C."

·         On the next screen, "Let's Work on Any Miscellaneous Income," scroll down and click the Start or Update button for the last topic, "Other reportable income."

·         The next screen asks, "Did you receive any other taxable income." Click Yes.

·         On the next screen, "Other Taxable Income," enter a description and the amount. Click Continue.

·         On the next screen click Done.

The income will be reported on Form 1040 line 21 with the description that you entered.

[SHINY]

Thank you very much Critter#2 for your prompt response! When I amend the $5000 treaty and file the 1040X form, do I also need to attach a 8833 or other supportive form? Do I need to upgrade to a fancier version for 2018 to apply the same deduction? Please advise, appreciate!

[Critter]

Attaching supporting docs to an amended return is wise and all of the amendment programs will handle the line 21 situation.   For 2018 any of the downloaded versions will work but if you use the Online version you will need Deluxe or better.

[Critter]

How do I amend a 2017 return in TurboTax?

Amend your 2017 return if you need to change or correct something after you already filed it.

Keep in mind: You have 3 years from the date you filed your 2017 return (or 2 years after you paid the tax due, whichever is later) to file an amended return, which means you don't have to get it done by the April 17 filing deadline. More info

·         How do I amend my 2017 TurboTax Online return?

·         How do I amend my 2017 return in the TurboTax CD/Download software?

[SHINY]

Thank you Critter#2, but it did not answer my question on how to amend the tax treaty deduction....