I need to amend my 2016 return because I never put my college deduction on it. Can I use turbo tax to amend it or no because I didn't use it to file the return in 2016?

[klwilliams0221]

I filled out my own tax forms on paper last year and mailed them in. This year I used turbo tax. I was wondering if I could use turbo tax to amend my last year return even though I did not use turbo tax to file last year? I need to add my school deduction.

[JulieH1 · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can use TurboTax to prepare your amendment, even if you did not file using the software.

You can purchase TurboTax software from previous years (you will need the 2016 software to amend your return) at https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/.    

Instructions on how to prepare the amended return can be found below.  After you click on the year you want to amend, you should select the option to amend using CD/downloaded software.

Please note that these instructions assume that you prepared your return using TurboTax.  Since you did not, you will want to enter the information from your return as originally filed, then proceed starting in Step 3.

Click or tap a tax year for specific amending instructions.

• 2017 - instructions will be available in late January or early February 2018
• 2016
• 2015
• 2014

When you have prepared your amended return and are ready to mail Form 1040-X you should include the following forms:

• The new (amended) Form 1040
• Any forms or schedules that were added or changed as a result of preparing the amendment

Please note that 1040-X cannot be e-filed - you will need to mail a paper return.  It takes the IRS at least 2 - 3 months (and sometime up to 6 months) to process amended returns.  Also, depending on whether the changes affect your numbers, you may also be required to file an amended return with your state.  

The mailing address for your state and situation can be found at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040x.pdf.  Look under Where to File on page 14.