I'm doing a 1040X but cannot update line 18 to 0. It currently has the amount of the original refund, but I did not receive that refund so need to manually change this.

[rjs]

Why did you not receive the original refund?

Did the IRS make changes to your original tax return, which eliminated the refund? If that's what happened, post more details.

Was your refund taken to pay a debt, such as back taxes or child support? If so, you must treat it as though you did get the refund. Form 1040-X line 18 has to be the amount shown on the original tax return, even though your refund was taken to pay the debt.

Or do you mean that you did not receive the refund yet, because the IRS has not finished processing your original tax return? If that's the case, do not file an amended return yet. Wait until the IRS finishes processing your original tax return, and you have received the original refund.

If you have further questions, please tell us what year's tax return you are amending.