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New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 12:47:34 AM

I have been trying to amend my 2018 return for over a month, and get the message that the 1040X is not available. Do I need to Upgrade?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 12:47:36 AM

You should not rush to file a 1040X since once filed it will take 4 months to process.

It is an IRS delay. Currently scheduled for 3/8/2019.

There are no 2018 1040X instructions. That is the hold up. TurboTax cannot release the 1040X until approved by the IRS and the IRS will not approve until after the 2018 final instructions have been released.

Only *draft* instructions have been published that say:

Caution: DRAFT—NOT FOR FILING
This is an early release draft of an IRS tax form, instructions, or
publication, which the IRS is providing for your information as a courtesy.
Do not file draft forms. Also, do not rely on draft forms, instructions, and
publications for filing. We generally do not release drafts of forms until we
believe we have incorporated all changes. However, unexpected issues
sometimes arise, or legislation is passed, necessitating a change to a draft
form. In addition, forms generally are subject to OMB approval before they
can be officially released. Drafts of instructions and publications usually
have at least some changes before being officially released.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/i1040x--dft.pdf

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).

1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 12:47:36 AM

You should not rush to file a 1040X since once filed it will take 4 months to process.

It is an IRS delay. Currently scheduled for 3/8/2019.

There are no 2018 1040X instructions. That is the hold up. TurboTax cannot release the 1040X until approved by the IRS and the IRS will not approve until after the 2018 final instructions have been released.

Only *draft* instructions have been published that say:

Caution: DRAFT—NOT FOR FILING
This is an early release draft of an IRS tax form, instructions, or
publication, which the IRS is providing for your information as a courtesy.
Do not file draft forms. Also, do not rely on draft forms, instructions, and
publications for filing. We generally do not release drafts of forms until we
believe we have incorporated all changes. However, unexpected issues
sometimes arise, or legislation is passed, necessitating a change to a draft
form. In addition, forms generally are subject to OMB approval before they
can be officially released. Drafts of instructions and publications usually
have at least some changes before being officially released.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-dft/i1040x--dft.pdf

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).