Amending tax return: amend return button does not work

[DoninGA]

@laura_borealis 

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

If you used the TurboTax desktop editions to complete and file the 2023 tax return, then you need to start the TurboTax program for tax year 2023 on your computer.  Once the 2023 program is started Continue the tax return you want to amend.  When the tax return is opened -

Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home & Business)

Click on Other Tax Situations

Under Other Tax Forms

On Amend a return, click on the start button

[laura_borealis]

That works. Thank you!

[SameSameButDifferent]

I just want to add that I was not able at first to amend my 2023 taxes on TurboTax Desktop, despite buying the program because I use a Mac. In summary, it was impossible to amend my 2023 taxes on TurboTax online AND the Mac version of the TurboTax 2023 desktop.

Instead, I had to In to my sister-in-law’s PC 2023 TurboTax Desktop version and work remotely. Thank God for SILs. But honestly, trying to amend my 2023 TurboTax-filed return has easily been one of the worst user experiences I have ever encountered. Just deplorably bad. 

Basically, you can’t amend any TurboTax-filed return online before 2025 and you have to have the PC desktop version of the exact year you want to amend. Ridiculous! I plan on disseminating an account of my experience and sharing it with as many people as possible. This is basic UX, TurboTax!!

[MarilynG1]

Not sure why you were required to download a desktop version of your 2023 TurboTax, but generally, if you filed a prior year return using TurboTax Online, here's how to do an Amendment online:

• Log In: Sign in to the same TurboTax account you used to file the original return.
• Locate Return: On the "Tax Home" screen, scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents" and select the year you want to amend.
• Select Amend: Click on "Amend (change) return" and choose "Amend using TurboTax Online".
• Make Changes: The software will guide you through updating your income, deductions, or credits, which will automatically update the necessary Form 1040-X.
• File: Follow the instructions to file the amendment electronically (if available for that year and your return allows) or print and mail the document to the IRS. 

@SameSameButDifferent 

[SameSameButDifferent]

Oh, and I forgot to add, after spending more than 1.5 hours with my “expert”, he told me to go hire an accountant. Well done, TurboTax!

[SameSameButDifferent]

Not sure if I correctly this reply the first time, so I’m trying, again. I hope this information helps some of you.

@MarilynG1 
Your question is a great one! I will say that 3 out of the 4 “experts” I talked to gave me the same advice: telling me that the online amendment would not work. And it didn’t. With the 4th “expert” I talked to (for 90 minutes, grant you), we tried to amend my return online. After filling everything in, the online version provided me with (or saved) an edited  2023 1040 (NOT a 1040-X). I then, based on my “expert’s” instruction, had to go back and remove any of the edits I had made to my online 2023 tax return. 

Based on that experience, my “expert” then had me try to amend everything using the 2023 TurboTax Mac desktop version I bought, based on the second “expert” I had talked to. 

One of my many takeaways: TurboTax “experts” need to know TurboTax online and desktop versions of their product. 2 of the 4 people I talked to clearly did not.

[prasadnadig]

As of Feb 2026, this issue still exists.

I am trying to amend my 2024 returns, I see the "Amend my return" button online when I login, but teh button does nothing when clicked. 

Is downloading the desktop version (for Mac in my case) the only solution here? If I do that, will there be any consideation when I file 2025 tax returns later?

[MarilynG1]

If you end up having no option but to download, Contact TurboTax Support and use 'Billing' as your issue.  Explain your situation and you should get a free download.

Here's some info on your issue to try:

• Clear Browser Data: Clear your cache and cookies for "all time" in your browser settings, then try again.
• Switch Browsers/Devices: Try using a different web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
• Use Incognito Mode: Open an incognito or private window, sign in to your TurboTax account, and attempt to click the button.
• Verify Account: Ensure you are using the exact same account you used to file the original 2024 return.
• Desktop Switch: If the online version continues to fail, you may need to use the desktop version of the software to process the amendment.

@prasadnadig 

[SameSameButDifferent]

@MarilynG1 and @prasadnadig, 

Just wanted to let you both know that I, too, was given these instructions from one of TT’s “experts” - trying a different browser, clearing my cache, switching from online to desktop - all without success. I think it’s an issue that whatever product manager is in charge of this product needs to address. 

PLEASE STOP BLAMING YOUR USERS.

[glu72]

The desktop button doesn't work.  Tried mult browsers, cleared cookies/cache, etc.  Called support.  What we ended up trying and this worked:  You can amend it on a phone browser.  The button works on the phone, but not on the desktop version.  Frustrating, but at least it's a work around. 

[laura_borealis]

Do not bother with the button.

Just go into the return, then: 

1. Click on Other Tax Situations

3. Under Other Tax Forms

4. Amend a Return, click on the start button.

But be very careful, starting the Amend process will potentially wipe out your old data. It sets the Refund window at the top (green if the IRS owes you money, red if you owe them money) to 0 and proceeds to log the changes from there. These will be reflected in the Refund window, reflecting the impact of your changes on the old filing.

IMPORTANT:

In order to keep a copy of your originally filed form (pre-amending), save a copy of it to some external drive, like a flash drive. Then you will be able to refer back to it if needed. (You will also be able to refer back to the original form if you save .pdf copies of your filing, but that won't allow you to access the data electronically, of course.)

[laura_borealis]

I was referring to the DeskTop version, not the on-line.

[prasadnadig]

@MarilynG1 Thank you.

I had tried multiple browsers, as well as multiple machines, and the issue exists despite learning all time cache/cookies.

I was able to download the desktop software for free though. What worries me is loosing the history of amendments done on desktop software when I file my 2025 returns through online software next. In particular, any carryover numbers may become invalid I am afraid. Would you know if there is a way to reflect the amendment from desktop software to online software?

[prasadnadig]

I can't agree more @SameSameButDifferent . We pay & use their software so we get convenience of easy filing, and online filing. This limitation, more so an unclear one where in a button to amend exists, I meet all conditions required to be able to amend, yet the software does nothing, and not even give a feedback as error or what's missing is very immature from TurboTax team. 

[Mike9241]

the 1040-X for 2025 will not be ready until February 25th, per the current TurboTax website. 

Save a PDF of the original return as a backup, just in case. Your 2025 amended return should not be submitted until the original return is fully processed. Think of the trouble you would have if you submitted beforehand, and the IRS changed something.