Need help with approach for 2024 return prep when 2023 return is not yet processed & will be amended

[BME]

I use TT Classic Deluxe desktop, and keep careful track of the .tax20xx data files that TT loads.    

For my 2024 return prep, I am seeking insight into the handling of carryovers, etc., when my 2023 return, e-filed 4.15.24 accepted, is not yet processed (don't even ask why, as, despite two phone calls and two meetings with my local IRS office, nobody can seem to tell me what the hold up is).   Further, I found some errors in my 2023 return as filed, and am standing ready with an amended 2023 return to file when the IRS eventually finishes processing my 2023 return.  (My research indicates that I should not jump the gun and file my 2023 1040-X until then.)

For 2024 prep: do I ensure that TT is referencing the ORIGINAL 2023 .tax2023 return as filed -- I think this may be the correct approach -- OR do I ensure that, at least as to any corrected carryover items, that my 2024 return references the 2023 return with the corrections I believe are necessary at this time, and that I have entered in my "ready but not filed" amended 2023 .tax2023 file? 

I think my preference in preparing 2024 is that, when I encounter items for which my self-discovered corrections to 2023 have an effect , that I NOT perpetuate them in my 2024 return.   I am comfortable with using Forms Mode to edit carryover amounts and add Supporting Statements.    

Thanks in advance for help with the concept, and with the handling of the TT software for 2024.  

[BME]

... anyone?

[Mike9241]

anything we suggest could be wrong because there is no explanation for the IRS holdup. maybe they found or will find something wrong that makes the 2023 return incorrect and that affects 2024. if you file an amended 2023 return and file 2024 with "corrected" numbers, despite the general advice not to file the 1040-x for 2023 until it processed, you may find that you now have to amend 2024.

so your options are 1)to file the amended 2023 return and file 2024 with the corrected numbers

2) file 2024 with the corrected numbers, no amended 2023. then when you get a notice from the IRS that they are changing your 2024 return you can dispute the changes by sending back that notice with a copy of the amended 2023 return.  file the 2023 amended once the return is processed. if you do get a notice for 2024 on the 2023 amended copy sent back with the notice write at the top "Previously submitted"  

 3) wait until the 2023 return is processed then file the 2023 1040-X and your 2024. the problem with this is that the 2023 amended returns can take months to process - can't be e-filed - so you would still get a 2024 correction notice which you would have to dispute.  also, Turbotax shuts down e-file of 2024 soon after the 10/15 deadline.   

I think I would go with option 2   

[BME]

Thank you @Mike9241  ... So helpful ... I think they at least have a question about my 2023 original return, or it wouldn't be held up so long, but I've gotta file 2024 by 10/15/25, so onward we go.  Just to clarify, in your reply re Option 2, is my understanding as I've added it below in line with Option 2 as you see it?:

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... "2) file 2024 with the corrected numbers, no amended 2023.

then [if or] when you get a notice from the IRS that they are changing your 2024 [<Mike, did you mean 2023 here?] return you can dispute the changes by sending back that notice with a copy of the amended 2023 return [Explain that you are including an informational copy of the amended 2023 return, putting a date of submission at the top, that contains corrections that you discovered yourself, adding any other changes to 2023 that the IRS asserts and with which you agree.  Explain that you intend to officially amend 2023 as soon as that taxable year is processed.  Do not sign the informational return.]. 

file the 2023 amended once the [2023] return is processed.

if [after officially filing your 2023 amended return,] you do get a notice for 2024 [and you need to reference and attach your 2023 amended return,] on the 2023 amended copy sent back with the notice [for 2024,] write at the top [of the copy of the included 2023 amended return:  }"Previously submitted [with the date you filed your official 2023 1040-X]"  

[But if you get a notice for 2024 BEFORE 2023 is processed, which, could happen, you will not have officially filed your 2023 1040-X, and the 2024 notice may relate at least in part to 2023 items.  In that case, send them a copy of the 2023 informational 1040-X with the date of submission, explaining that you intend to officially amend 2023 once 2023 is processed.  If your 2023 year is still being processed at such time, and you've already sent them one informational 2023 amended return, send it again with your response to 2024, clearly marking at the top that it was previously submitted if it hasn't changed from what you previously submitted.  Dates of submission of your informational returns at the top will help all concerned].

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It sounds worse than it is to go through the scenarios, but step by step.  Thank you, all comments welcome if I've misunderstood.

[Mike9241]

then [if or] when you get a notice from the IRS that they are changing your 2024. what I was implying is if they change 2023 for which you would get a notice it's possible that could result in the IRS making changes to your 2024 return for which you would also get a notice. There's no way for the IRS to know because it's missing a piece - you 2023 amended return which as stated must be paper filed and could take the IRS months to process. so without IF they check 2023 numbers against 2024 they DON'T see the 1040-x (it would be sitting in an unopened mailbag) and therefore COULD assume some of the 2024 numbers are wrong resulting.in a notice. However, if those "wrong" numbers have no effect on 2024. they may accept the 2024 return as filed. 

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like I said any route you take can be the wrong one. if the IRS eventually accepts 2023 as filed, I think 2) is best.

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However, if the IRS changes 2023 and you agree with the changes then you are going to have to fix your 2023 1040-x to reflect the IRS changes and your changes while avoiding duplications. if the 2024 1040 was filed you may need to amend it depending on what the IRS does. in this case I think 3) would be best so you could change 2024 without amending but have to paper file.   also expect a long delay if you are due a refund for 2024