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New Member
posted Jun 3, 2019 12:51:43 PM

I accidentally filed my 2017 taxes instead of my 2018 ones what do i do i need help ASAP

0 25 4525
24 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 12:51:44 PM

Are you saying you entered your 2017 tax information into the 2018 online Free Edition and efiled the return?

New Member
Jun 3, 2019 12:51:45 PM

Yes on accident how do i do an amend??

New Member
Jun 3, 2019 12:51:46 PM

I did the same thing, just wait till your return is accepted. If so, then you'll have to amend for 2018. Print out the 1040X form, input your 2018 information and submit... always make yourself a copy.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 12:51:48 PM

You must wait until your tax return is pulled from the TurboTax servers by the IRS on Jan. 28 or shortly thereafter. It will be accepted or rejected by the IRS. If it is rejected, you can redo the information on the return and replace it with your 2018 information and resubmit it as a 2018 return.  

If the return you mistakenly efiled with 2017 information is accepted by the IRS, you must wait until it is processed and you get a refund. You can then start an amended return to fix everything by entering your 2018 information. The amended return is form 1040X that must be prepared, printed, signed and mailed. It cannot be efiled. Do not change anything on your accepted return until you start the amended return. The 1040X may not be available in TurboTax until late February or March. It takes the IRS about 16 weeks to process an amended return. 

Regardless of whether your mistakenly submitted return is accepted or rejected, you can prepare, print and mail a 2017 tax return using the prior year program that you can buy from TurboTax at this link: https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/ 

A 2017 return cannot be efiled. It must be mailed. 

Returning Member
Aug 6, 2019 9:08:28 AM

I did the same thing. So I have to amended my 2017 on the 1040x and send it to them again saying that I filed it in the wrong year ? Or just do the 2018?

Level 15
Aug 6, 2019 10:36:10 AM

@Ohh2kevin   You made quite a mistake.  The current online software is ONLY for preparing and filing a 2018 return, so if you used that and entered 2017 income, your tax return is all wrong. If you get really lucky and the return is rejected then you can make corrections to it and enter your 2018 income into that software instead of the 2017 data that you used, and re-submit it with 2018 income on it.

 

 

Check the e-file status

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/

 

If the return was accepted by the IRS you have to

WAIT

until it is fully processed and THEN you can amend it and prepare a 1040X to enter your

2018

information.  Do not try to do anything with your 2018 income yet.  You cannot file a 2018 return now because the IRS has a 2018 return for you--even though it is wrong.

 

As for filing a 2017 return, you can still do that using the correct software program.  You will need to purchase and download the 2017 software and then the return has to be mailed.  It cannot be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2017 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2015, 2016, or 2017 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

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

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

 

 

If you have to amend later:  (And remember--it is too soon to amend now.  You have to let the IRS process that wrong return first).

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894381-how-to-amend-change-or-correct-a-return-you-already-filed?jump_to=answer_3288565

 

A 1040X cannot be e-filed.  It must be printed and mailed.  It will take about 3-4 months for the IRS to process an amended return.  It is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it, like UPS or certified mail, so you will know it was received.

Wait about 3 weeks from mailing and you can check the status of your amended return:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/amended-returns-form-1040-x/amended-return-frequently-asked-questions

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1908543-do-i-need-to-amend

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2566895-what-does-it-mean-to-amend-a-return

Returning Member
Aug 6, 2019 11:34:07 AM

So I can not send a 1040x with my 2017 saying that it supposed to be for the 2017 and saying I accidentally put it in 2018? Couldn't they fix that.?

Level 15
Aug 6, 2019 11:43:00 AM

Let's start over.  

 

1.  Did you file an original 2017 return back in 2018?  If not you do not amend.  You just file a new original 2017 return now.

 

2.  If the current 2018 return you did this year got filed and accepted then you need to amend 2018 and take off the wrong 2017 info and change it to just be for 2018.

Returning Member
Aug 6, 2019 11:50:56 AM

I.filed a 2017 in a 2018 . And where I'm lost at is that idk if I have to send the 2018 1040x or the 2017. And idk what to say where it says "explanation of changes "

Level 15
Aug 6, 2019 11:59:10 AM

I understand that you entered 2017 on your 2018 return.  You have to do 2 things....

1.  File an original 2017return like nothing happened.

2.  Amend the 2018 return to take off 2017 and make it be just for 2018 info.

 

for explanation you say you entered the wrong year info.

 

 HOW TO FILE A NEW 2017 RETURN

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 have to print and mail prior year returns.  When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS received the return.  Don’t forget state.

 

Important!  Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.

 

How to file a prior year

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-prepare-a-prior-year-tax-return/00/25984

 

 

 

Returning Member
Aug 6, 2019 12:05:29 PM

Thank you.  Now it's getting cleared up. Sorry I was just getting really frustrated with this. So now that they already have accepted I have to do my 2017 first and then 2018 correct ?

Level 15
Aug 6, 2019 12:10:44 PM

No.  You can do either one first.  2017 is now late.  You have 3 years to file if you are getting a refund.  You also have 3 years to file the amended 2018 return.

 

How to amend 2018

You should not change or add anything until your original 2018 return is accepted (if they reject it you can fix it and resend it) and fully processed and you get the first refund or pay the tax due.  Then you can amend it.  Do not enter or change anything until after you start the amended return.   If you have added or changed your return you need to take out any changes and put your return back to the way it was when you originally filed it.  

 

Amended returns can only be MAILED not efiled.  How to amend an Online return  https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-amend-my-turbotax-online-return/00/27577

Returning Member
Aug 6, 2019 12:27:51 PM

I can do my 2017 online correct? I only have to pay for it? And for the 2018 to corrected I have to mail them ? 

Level 15
Aug 6, 2019 12:32:00 PM

Sorry no, you can not do 2017 online.  Online is only good for 2018.  

 

Yes you will have to mail the 2018 1040X Amended return.  

And mail the 2017 original return.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS received the return.  Don’t forget state.

 

Important!  Mail Federal and State in separate envelopes and mail each year in separate envelopes.  So you might have to mail 4 separate envelopes.

 

Returning Member
Aug 6, 2019 12:38:37 PM

Oh okay. I can mail both at the same time? Each different envelope? And I shouldn't touch the money that they refund me from my 2017 that I accidentally did on 2018?

Level 15
Aug 6, 2019 12:55:27 PM

You can mail them all at the same time.  One trip to the Post Office.  But each one in a separate envelope.

 

You can keep your first refund.  But you may have to pay some back on the amended return or you may get some more refund back.

Returning Member
Aug 6, 2019 1:08:21 PM

Oh okay thank you so.much u think u can send me the website for the 2017 taxes that way I can go do it and print the papers 

 

Level 15
Aug 6, 2019 1:48:36 PM

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/

 

Or if you have a simple return like only W2s you can fill out the blank forms for free.

 

Here are some blank forms & instructions for 2017

1040 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2017.pdf     

Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2017.pdf

 

1040A https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040a--2017.pdf    

Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040a--2017.pdf

 

1040EZ https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040ez--2017.pdf    

Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040ez--2017.pdf

 

2017 Tax Tables https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2017.pdf

Publication 17 Tax Guide for 2017 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/p17--2017.pdf

 

Don't forget state. 

Level 2
Mar 5, 2020 3:30:39 PM

So I accidentally filed 2018 w2 that I didn't file last year. Instead of 2019. it was accepted I'm just wondering am I going to get the return? And how do I fix the issue? An will I owe the IRS money?

Expert Alumni
Mar 5, 2020 4:12:51 PM

We can handle all of these questions.

  • You may or may not get a refund.  I expect you may get a tax notice stating that the IRS wants additional information.
  • There may be two ways to fix this.
    • The IRS letter may give you the option to correct the error directly.  In this case I suggest contacting your local IRS office.
    • The second is to file an amended tax return.  These links will help you get started.

Level 2
Mar 5, 2020 4:19:55 PM

I have not got a return yet. When I check irs.gov it says we have accepted your taxes in progress. I did get a letter saying dear taxpayer we received your income tax return and are verifying its accuracy. we selected you return to verify one or more of the following you may have reported. 

-incometax

-income tax withholding

-tax credits

-business income

Will contact you or your authorized representative if we have questions. And at this point do I have to wait until they're done?

Intuit Alumni
Mar 5, 2020 4:35:58 PM

@jdsmith93 From what you wrote, it appears you received an IRS CP05 notice.  According to the IRS, "You don’t need to take any action. Please do not call us until 60 days after the notice date and only if you haven't received your refund or heard from us by then."

 

Refer to the following IRS website for additional information:  Understanding Your CP05 Notice

Level 2
Mar 6, 2020 6:51:59 AM

What exactly is a cpo5 notice? And why would they send me one.

Intuit Alumni
Mar 6, 2020 8:15:36 AM

It's a notice informing you that the IRS is verifying your income and income tax withholding.  According to the IRS, this notice is not an indication that you made an error or were dishonest on your tax return.  

 

Read more here:  Understanding Your CP05 Notice