I filed the wrong year W2

[d_shanks]

I accidentally filed a W2 from 2015 when doing 2016 taxes. Now I have not received my refund and not sure where to start.

[macuser_22]

You will need to amend.

To amend your 2016 tax return:

-- First, *wait* to see if your return has been accepted or rejected by the IRS or state. DO NOT do anything until you receive the accept or reject e-mail.

-- If rejected, you can correct and re-send your return.

-- If accepted you should *wait* until your return has been processed and you receive your refund or conformation that any tax due has been paid. (If you file an amended return while you first return is being processed it can cause extended delays for both returns if two returns are in the system at the same time). In addition, if the IRS makes any change on your original return, you might end up having to amend the amendment – a sticky process that can take a year or more).

-- Then you can start the amend process.

-- Amended returns can only be mailed - allow 8-12 weeks - can take up to 16 weeks (4 months) for processing.

See this TurboTax FAQ for help with amending:

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

You can check the status of your mailed amended return at this link but allow 3 weeks after mailing before checking.
http://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-%28Form-1040-X%29/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5114064

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288565

[RT6]

How long did this take for you I am in the same boat right now 

[xmasbaby0]

@RT6 You posted to an old thread.  What same boat are you in?  Are you in the "I messed up my tax return and e-filed it" boat?

Did you really click that big orange button that said “Transmit my return now?”  If you did that, you cannot do anything to fix it yet.  The IRS will begin to accept/reject 2019 returns on January 27.  You have to wait for the email that tells you if your return was accepted or rejected.

Filing before you have all of your information causes you a lot of aggravation that could be avoided if you just wait until you have everything first and then take your time preparing your return so you do not mess it up because of a rush to get a refund.

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

If you left out a W-2, 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 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. You cannot e-file an amended return.  They have to be mailed, and it takes at least 2-4 months for the IRS to process an amended return.  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

[taylortinley]

I did the same thing but the government accepted my return and I just received the money for my return today. Do I need to wait for the IRS to send me a letter or do I just fill out the 1040x? I am very lost. 

[xmasbaby0]

@taylortinley You will have to amend the tax return.  ONLY 2019 income was supposed to be on that 2019 return.  So anything you entered that was not for 2019 has to be deleted when you prepare the Form 1040X.  Meanwhile if you now have the right 2019 W-2's, those can be entered instead.  Remember this mess next year and don't be in such a rush to file.

The 1040X becomes available later in February, so you have to wait for it.

How do I amend my 2019 TurboTax Online return?

A 1040X cannot be e-filed.  It must be printed and mailed.  It will take about 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-q...

[taylortinley]

I am just confused as to how to fill out the 1040x. I read the instructions but I’m unsure as to what information the irs needs as my new w2 has much different and higher numbers from 2019 vs 2018. When I looked on the irs website, the 1040x was available, if I am looking at it correctly. So do I need to refile my whole w2 taxes, or do I just fill out the 1040x? Thank you for your help. 

[xmasbaby0]

The 1040X is not yet available for 2019 on TurboTax.

The 1040X becomes available later in February, so you have to wait for it.  If your return is still being processed now, it would not be a good idea to amend yet anyhow.  Sending in an amended return while they are still processing your original return could cause confusion that would delay your refund for months.

Check back later for the 1040X.   AFTER your return has been fully processed.

[RT6]

Do you know just about how long this entire process is ? @xmasbaby0 

[Lokithor 3788]

When I went online, TurboTax asked for the year. I put in 2018. I sent a pic of my 2018 W-2. After filing it said I had filed for 2019. Help. This just happened 20 minutes ago. How do I fix this?

[xmasbaby0]

@Lokithor 3788

The online program is ONLY for 2019--no other year

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.

If you left out a W-2, 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 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. You cannot e-file an amended return.  They have to be mailed, and it takes about 4 months for the IRS to process an amended return.

 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

[Lokithor 3788]

I understand what you're saying. It seems weird since they asked me what year I was filing for and I choose 2018. I even took a pick of my 2018 W-2. Thanks for the information. 

[Chefkatt]

Is this situation affecting the stimulus checks?? I filed my 2019 return with 2018 w2's.  The next morning, I received an email saying the IRS accepted my return. It's been two weeks, and they are still 'processing' it.  I thought that was too long for a simple return so I checked my return for errors, and realized I had the wrong year! Well first, I went to the IRS website to give them my direct deposit information since I wasn't required to file for 2019, and they wouldn't let me.

 Then, I went to check my return.  So, I am not able to get my stimulus check until they finish processing return? Thanks for the help!

[Pauldemo1]

I did the same thing and haven’t received anything or been able to get trough the site

[JotikaT2]

It depends.

The online link is your best option to track your refund.  I have attached a link with more answers from the IRS as to why your refund may be taking longer to process.

Federal refund questions

Also, be aware, the IRS operations are limited during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Attached is a link with more information as to what departments are available to contact at the moment.

IRS operations

If you had to mail your return in, it will take longer to process because of the reduced operations.

Also, if you filed your 2018 information using the 2019 software, you will need to amend your 2019 return and prepare the 2018 return using the 2018 software.

Amend return

How to prepare a prior year tax return

Your income tax refund is based upon your filing.  You can check the status of your federal income tax return refund using the link below.

Check my refund status

Please see the attached for more specific information as it applies to your particular state. 

How to track my refund 

As far as the stimulus payment, the IRS has just started issuing the stimulus payments and is working as quickly as they can to issue the payments.

The payment of the stimulus funds can be tracked at the following website:

Check status of economic payment

Please see the following for facts related to the payments as processed by the IRS.  

FAQ for Economic payments