I filed on my own and now need to amend using TurboTax, how can I do this?

[JulieS · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can amend the tax return that you prepared in TurboTax. 

The first step is to wait for your original return to be fully processed. That means waiting until you get your refund, or at least 21 days if you owe taxes. 

Since we are getting close to the deadline, you may not be able to wait that long. You can file an amended return after April 15, but if you owe additional taxes because of it, the IRS will consider that late payment. 

Once you are ready to do the amendment:

1. Sign in to TurboTax.
2. On the home screen, scroll down to Your tax returns & documents and select the year you want to amend.
3. Select Amend (change) return, then Amend using TurboTax Online.
4. Carefully follow the directions to start your amendment.
5. Your refund will go to zero, don't worry, that's normal.
6. On the screen OK, let's get a kickstart on your amended return, select the reason(s) you're amending, and Continue.
7. When you reach Here's the info for your amended federal return, select Start next to the info you need to change.
8. Continue through the screens, make the changes you need to make, and carefully answer the remaining questions to finish amending your return.

If you file a state return, you can continue into your state after your federal return is complete.

If you need more specific help to make changes to your return, reply back with more details of the changes you need to make. 

[kematthews18]

I’m sorry, to clarify, I used a community based service for those with low income to file originally so I wasn’t sure if I would be able to use turbo tax to amend.

[CatinaT1]

Yes, but if you didn't use TurboTax to file your tax return you'll first have to enter your information into TurboTax to match what you filed the first time, then start the process of amending it.

How to File an Amended Tax Return with the IRS - TurboTax

[xmasbaby0]

CAN I USE TURBOTAX TO AMEND IF THE RETURN WAS PREPARED SOMEWHERE ELSE?

If you did not use TurboTax to prepare your tax return, it is possible to amend the return using TurboTax but it will really be a pain.  It would be better to use the software or service used to file originally.  If a paid preparer made a mistake on your tax return, that tax preparer should do the amended return for you at no charge.

In order to use TurboTax to amend your return, you need to purchase the desktop software for the tax year and re-create the return EXACTLY as it appeared when it was filed with the IRS/states.  Every line has to be the same.  Then you have to "trick" the software into thinking you filed by saying you will mail the return. (but do not mail it)   AFTER that, you use the software to prepare a Form 1040X, which has to be printed, signed and mailed to the IRS.  It takes the IRS about 6 -9 months to process an amended return

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

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

[kematthews18]

Thanks! Do I need to purchase the TurboTax software for this or am I able to do this on the TurboTax website?

[kematthews18]

Thanks! I used a low income community based service who unfortunately doesn’t handle amended returns. They didn’t make any mistakes but I was issued a 1099-NEC which should have been a 1099-MISC. Now that the correct form has been issued to me, I need to amend. So this has to be done using the TurboTax software versus their website, correct?

[LeticiaF1]

To do the amended return, both TurboTax Online and TurboTax Desktop will work.  You would need the Deluxe version of either program to complete your return.  As it was mentioned in the previous posts by CatinaT1 and xmasbaby0, it will be a lengthy process.  You will have to redo your original return, compare it to your original return, and then do the amendment. 

1. You would need to redo your return, and create a "mock return."  You will need all the documents, like W2 Forms and any 1099 Forms that were used to prepare your return originally.  
2. After you are done, you will need to review your return and make sure that all the information matches your original return. It might be good to print the return and check everything line to line.   
3. Once all is correct, then you have to tell the program that you are filing a paper return.  You will have to "file" the return in the system so that it will let you file the amended return.  
4. Once all that is done, then you can file the amended return.
   • On the home screen, scroll down to Your tax returns & documents
   • Select the year and Amend (change) return
   • Follow the steps in the program, when you are amending you only need to change what you need and leave everything else the same.  
   • The amended return will have to be mailed, and when you print your return a page with instructions will print that will guide you on how to assemble and where to mail your return.

Feel free to contact us again if you have additional questions.  

@kematthews18