How to amend return when I didn't originally file with TurboTax?

[VolvoGirl]

That is not recommended.  It can be hard and tricky.

Ideally you should go back to who did it and they should amend it for free if it was their error.  To amend a return you did somewhere else, you would first have to fill out Turbo Tax like you are doing the original return and pay for it.  You have to recreate the actual wrong original return.  Then when it matches each line that you really filed you have to tell Turbo Tax you will mail it so it thinks it was filed.  Then you can amend it.

For prior years you have to buy the Desktop program.  You can only buy the download for prior years.  You have to buy a separate program for each year.  They only sell the last 3 years.  You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on.  Buy the download here   

  https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You can recreate the original return using the Forms Mode.  Then say to mail it.  How to amend a Desktop return,

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-amend-my-return-in-the-turbotax-cd-download...

[DoninGA]

If you used a paid tax profession for the tax return then it would be best if you used them to amend your tax return.  There should be no charge for the amended return.

However, if you choose to use TurboTax then amending return not completed and filed using the TurboTax software is a little complex.

First you will need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer, Win or Mac, one of the TurboTax desktop editions for the year needed (2016 thru 2018) from this website  - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Once installed on your computer you will then have to recreate exactly the tax return that was filed.  To include all errors or omissions.  Once completed you have to tell the program that you will be printing and mailing the tax return in the File section.  This fools the program into believing the tax return was filed so that afterwards you can start to amend the return.

An amended tax return can only be printed, signed, dated and mailed to the IRS or to a State, it cannot be e-filed (except for New York state)

[rebelx0024]

Okay, so I'm using the 2018 desktop version of TT now.  Is there a way to directly enter info into the forms themselves, rather than going through interview questions and worksheets?  It would save me a lot of time to just copy from my return onto the forms themselves.  Thanks.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes switch to Forms mode in the upper right (left for Mac).  

[rebelx0024]

Yes, I'm in forms mode, but I can't seem to actually enter text directly into the boxes.  I thought this feature was supposed to be available in the desktop version.

[VolvoGirl]

You might have to find the detail source worksheet for the box.   I know it can be tricky to enter directly on the form.   Some boxes you can override.   

[rebelx0024]

I really wish it would let you override all boxes.  Is there no way to do that?

[fanfare]

TurboTax doesn't know you're planning to amend.

Here's another way.

You must have a copy of the original tax return you want to update (or a transcript).

The simplest way is to prepare your correct tax return (using TurboTax for example, or other means) and print it.
Then lay the paper printouts of both returns (correct and original) side-by-side.
You now have all the information needed to prepare Form 1040-X by hand.
It's pretty straight-forward.

The blank form in fillable PDF format and its instructions are available at www.irs.gov.
Refer to the Instructions for what is to be attached to Form 1040-X.

Do not include your old 1040 nor your revised 1040 because the Form 1040-X reflects any changes there and becomes your new tax return.
Mail to the address shown in the Instructions.

--

Note: there are "other means".

PM  me if you want more info.

[fanfare]

@rebelx0024 

If you have other specific questions about your tax return situation, ask them here on a new thread.

Someone will probably reply.

[Dustysaint]

I need to file a 1040x I already filed my taxes and need to file a 1099s form for selling my house 

[Dustysaint]

I need to file a 1040x I already filed my taxes and got my refund but need to file a 1099s for selling my house 

[Katina S]

You can file an amendment after your submitted return has been processed by the IRS. See our FAQ on How to amend a return.

@Dustysaint