If I file an amended return (before the deadline) that reduces my tax liability, do I still need to pay the tax due calculated on the initial return?

[Joacchim]

Using TurboTax deluxe, I e-filed my tax return with some tax due, which I planned to pay by check before the deadline date.  I subsequently found that I over-stated some capital gains, and amended my return to show the reduced tax liability.  The amended return shows I still owe some taxes, but not as much as the initial return.  Do I still need to pay the taxes due indicated in the initial return?  Or simply pay what the amended return shows is due?

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

If you choose to pay your taxes owed by check, and you did not enter any banking information for a direct debit in your original return, then you can just pay the amount on your amended return.

Just make sure all your taxes owed are paid by 4/18/22, to avoid a penalty and interest.

[Joacchim]

Thank you.  Further clarification - I wasn't sure if the amended return took into account or assumed the tax owed from the original return was paid.  Your answer seems to say that not specifying a direct debit on the original tells TurboTax to ignore payments owed (and assume they were not paid) from the previous version.  Correct?  

[bluedeb]

The amended return does calculate what was owed (or refund due) that shows on your original return.  The amended return shows additional refund due or less refund owed, or less taxes owed or more taxes owed.  It depends what you are amending for.

Not entering a direct debit on original return than no banking information was sent to the IRS (or State).