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New Member
posted Jan 27, 2022 3:22:12 PM

I filed my 2021 return and my wife gave me her 2020 W-2 and I didn't catch it. Not a huge difference, but not accurate. Is it easy to amend once IRS accepts the return?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jan 27, 2022 3:24:13 PM

No.   You cannot amend until the return has been fully processed.

 

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it.  It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner.  The IRS does not allow you to take it back.

 

If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.”  The changes will go nowhere.

 

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return.  If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return. 

 

 If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund.  THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail  it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally.  You will need to use a form called a 1040X.

 

  Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself.  Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

4 Replies
Level 15
Jan 27, 2022 3:24:13 PM

No.   You cannot amend until the return has been fully processed.

 

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it.  It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner.  The IRS does not allow you to take it back.

 

If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.”  The changes will go nowhere.

 

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return.  If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return. 

 

 If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund.  THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail  it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally.  You will need to use a form called a 1040X.

 

  Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself.  Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

New Member
Jan 27, 2022 4:30:08 PM

I appreciate your quick answer. I knew I could not go in right away and start making changes. I inserted my wife's W2 from last year. It is mildly different this year than last, but significant enough that I want to do right. I got a notification from Intuit that they will email me when the amend form has been generated and ready for me to fill out. I know I can wait up to 3 years, but I would rather just handle it now to be done with it.

Level 15
Jan 27, 2022 4:40:29 PM

the IRS may reject the return for the bad w-2. then you can delete it and refile 2021.  also remember if you do nothing the iRS may send you a notice about the missing w-2 from 2020

Expert Alumni
Jan 27, 2022 4:57:41 PM

It is fairly easy, but you must wait until your refund is processed before you do it. 

 

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