Never got first stimulus check, trying to file an amended 2020 return, cannot figure out how to fill out 1040X to claim it. What line do I enter it on?

[lisasuits123]

...more specifically, what do I enter, and where do I enter it on 1040X, to claim a stimulus check I never got (the first one)?

[xmasbaby0]

Go to Federal Review to answer questions about the stimulus check and the recovery rebate credit.   Before you amend for the credit make sure you did not already get it.   If you received it on your 2020 return it was on line 30 of your 2020 Form 1040.  Check that line first.  Some people got it without realizing it.

[lisasuits123]

I'm certain I did not receive it, I double-triple-quadruple checked my bank account for it, and line 30 of my 2020 1040 is 100% blank! I'm looking right at it. Can you explain what you mean by "go to Federal Review"? Thanks so much for your time.

[xmasbaby0]

@lisasuits123 There are headings you can click on such as Wages & Income, Deductions and Credits-----and Federal Review.  Go to Federal Review to get to the recovery rebate questions.

[lisasuits123]

Will that be an option when preparing an amended return? I can't tell until I purchase a product to prepare it with. I have already completed my 2020 return, I need to file an amended one.

[xmasbaby0]

@lisasuits123 Wait a second.   Did you use TurboTax to prepare your 2020 return?   What are you doing?   If you did not use TurboTax to file a 2020 return it will be a pain for you to use TT to amend a 2020 return.  Please explain how and when you filed your 2020 return that you are now trying to amend.

CAN I USE TURBOTAX TO AMEND IF THE RETURN WAS PREPARED SOMEWHERE ELSE?

If you did not use TurboTax to prepare your tax return, it is possible to amend the return using TurboTax but it will really be a pain.  It would be better to use the software or service used to file originally.  If a paid preparer made a mistake on your tax return, that tax preparer should do the amended return for you at no charge.

In order to use TurboTax to amend your return, you need to purchase the desktop software for the tax year and re-create the return EXACTLY as it appeared when it was filed with the IRS/states.  Every line has to be the same.  Then you have to "trick" the software into thinking you filed by saying you will mail the return. (but do not mail it)   AFTER that, you use the software to prepare a Form 1040X, which has to be printed, signed and mailed to the IRS.  It takes the IRS about 3-4 months to process an amended return

[fanfare · Accepted solution]

@lisasuits123 

enter your expected  credit on 1040-X Line 15.

Check "Other" and write "Rebate Credit" in the space provided.

[lisasuits123 · Accepted solution]

YES! That's what I needed! Thank you!!!