Is there any way to amend a prior year's return without downloading the desktop software?

[AndreaC1 · Accepted solution]

The other option you have, if you prefer not to use TurboTax desktop software for the return, is to go here https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year on the IRS's website and print the amend forms to complete by hand and then mail. Once you are on that page, just type in search bar the word "amend" along with tax year you need. And it will pull up list of those forms for you. You can choose what you need and print them. 

Amended returns for prior years cannot be prepared online with TurboTax. You'll only have option to amend current tax year online right now. 

Also, the amended return must be prepared, printed and mailed if you use desktop software. Prior year returns can't be e-filed. 

Other Related Topics:

• Do I need to amend?

[Ahenkan]

Is there any way to amend 2017 tax return without a desk top? Can you send me the software to download?

[czagara]

This is really bad advice. Many returns have a complex tax calculation and trying to do it by hand is asking for trouble. Also people don't know the forms they need.

[xmasbaby0]

@czagara You just posted to an old thread.  The last time anyone posted here was several months ago.  Which advice are you saying was bad advice?  The original poster asked if there was any way to amend without using the software.  The answer was correct--either use the software or do it by hand.  Those are the options.  And of course, amending is complex and hard to do by hand in many situations.  But if someone asks for the ways to do it--those were the ways.  You cannot make people take the best advice, nor can you make them spend money for software if they do not want to.