I need to change something on my tax return before filing, but I can only seem to print it at this point. What can I do?

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

As long as your return is still unfiled (not efiled and not mailed) you can reopen the return to make any corrections prior to actually mailing or efiling. 

• Log in and go to your 2016 Tax Timeline.
• If TurboTax thinks you are finished, there will be no orange "Take me to my return" button.
• So in that case, scroll down to "Some things you can do."
• Choose "Add a State."  (you don't really add one; that's just to get the return to open up.)
• Once the return is open, you can resume working on your return to make any corrections.
• Then go through the REVIEW tab to be sure all is still in order.
• Then go through the FILE tab to choose a filing method, etc.
• If filing by mail, it should prompt you to print the return and filing instructions.
  
• If efiling, be sure you go all the way to the end to the final screen and click the button "Transmit Returns Now".
  
  

NOTE:  Do NOT use this method to open a return to make changes/edits to an already-filed return (one that has actually been mailed or efiled.)   If you later need to make changes to an already-filed return, you have to go through the formal amending process, and your return must start off exactly as originally filed.

[Greensea]

The mistake on the unfiled return does not seem to be a problem I can fix myself. It appears to be a turbotax problem. On my state return, line 23, the total payment listed is $20 and that is not what is listed on line 17 of my w-2. The amount on my w-2 is much higher. I don't understand why the information hasn't transferred correctly. I want it to be correct before I send it in.

[Greensea]

It's not a correction I can make. Only turbo tax can make the correction.

[baiterj]

Turbo Tax did not enter my investment income correctly and taxes owed is not correct. How can I fix that?

[Cass0317]

If you have already e-filed or mailed the return, then you will need to wait until the IRS has accepted or rejected that return before you can make any changes.

• If they reject it, then you can make the needed changes and re-submit the return.  How do I fix a rejected return?

• If they accept it, then you will need to wait until you have received your refund, if applicable, and then amend that return to make changes, if needed. Amended returns have to be printed and mailed in and take up to 16 weeks to be processed.   

If accepted, wait until you have received your refund or taxes due paid, then you can go here for instructions on amending your return. 

@baiterj