I need to amend my 2017 tax return which I'm about to do. I must have this amended before I can submit 2018 taxes(related to form 8582).How long must I wait to file 2018?

[ecojosh325]

I've read on here that IRS can take upwards of something like 16 weeks to process the amended 2017 return (an amended return in general)?  I'm not sure yet if I can efile this amended 2017 return but will soon find out when correcting it?  All I really want an answer to is when can I file my 2018 taxes if they are really dependent on the amended 2017 return?  Do I have to wait until the process is "completed" by the IRS before I can file my correct 2018 taxes?  That would require me to file an extension for 2018 I suppose, which is possible but I'd prefer to get everything done now since my 2018 taxes are already completed. 

Again, not looking for tax help on this but the background on this is that I did not code my loss as passive last year in 2017 and should have and was told by a CPA that I should file this amended 2017 return first so that my 2018 form 8582 does not show last year's loss as "unallowed".  I also had a passive loss from the same activity in 2018 fyi and these are the only years I've needed to code as passive. 

I just want to be sure I don't have to amend the 2018 return later and I am pretty sure that means I need to be certain the 2017 return is processed before the IRS receives my 2018 return in order to have the 2017 not showing as "unallowed" on my 2018 form 8582?  Thank you.

[WillK · Accepted solution]

As soon as you file your 2017 amended return you can prepare and file your 2018 return. It will take the IRS 12-16 weeks to process and accept the amended return. Most taxpayers do not wait to file the next year's return.

If the IRS has a question about the 2018 return they will notify you by mail. You can then see what they need and send them in a copy of the amended 2017 return back to the address they provide (which is usually a person) so they can have it knowing you have already sent it in. 

[ecojosh325]

Ok thanks.  Does it matter that a CPA didn't answer this?  Not trying to belittle you in any way.  I'm just trying to be certain I can go off this answer.  I've often seen CPA responses so thus the slight concern on certainty.  I also now realized the 2017 Amended return can only be filed by mail but I guess this will not matter?  I am out of the country though, so now I have the question of if someone w/ power of attorney can sign my amended return if an original signature is required?  I'm not in a country where I trust the mail to get to the IRS.  Thank you again for your help.

[WillK]

I am a CPA just so you know, I just do not have it on my screen name

[gmgroner]

Can I file my 2017 and 2018 taxes using turbo tax 

[BillM223]

@gmgroner

"Can I file my 2017 and 2018 taxes using turbo tax "

Yes. 

As for doing your 2017 and 2018 returns, you can do it with TurboTax, but you will have to use the desktop software that you will download to your computer - the Online system is only for the current tax year (2019).

For instructions on how to do this, please see this TurboTax FAQ on how to file a prior year return.