I'm lost after Amended my Federal return It says im getting 0 back now?

[spencer56]

I'm lost after Amended my Federal return It says I am getting 0 back now?

[VolvoGirl]

When you first start the Amended return the refunds reset to 0.  Then should change as you enter the changes.

You will still get the first original full refund (and keep it) or need to pay the first tax due. You should not amend or change your return until you get the refund from the original return or your payment has cleared.

The amended return will only be the difference you get back or need to pay. You can confirm this by printing your amendment and looking at the 1040X. Line 18 should be your original refund amount and line 21 should be your additional refund. If you paid on your original return it will be on line 16 (but don't include any penalty on 1040 line 38). If there is an amount owed with the amendment, it will be on line 20.

[JulieS]

Yes, when you amend your tax return, the refund goes to zero, at least until you change something like adding more income. This is because the original return will still be processed and that is reflected on the amended return.

For example, you do your return, and it shows a $1,000 refund. After you e-file, you realize you have another W-2 form. You amend the return. when you start the refund goes to zero. After you add the new W-2, it shows a $20 refund. 

In this case you will get the $1,000 refund and an additional $20 refund. 

So, it's not a surprise that your refund would go to zero. What is a little puzzling is why it doesn't show a balance due or additional refund. 

If the change you made was very small, like adding $25 in bank interest, it just wasn't enough to make a difference. If that's the case, you don't have to file the amended return if it doesn't change your refund or tax due.