I must amend my federal tax return, but haven't yet filed state tax returns. Do I wait until my amended federal tax return is approved before I file my state tax return?

[wzeng18]

I had to add another W-2 to my federal tax return after I filed already. I need to amend the federal tax return. I have not yet submitted my state tax return. Do I need to wait until my amended federal tax return is approved before I file my state taxes (I would file state taxes off the amended amount)? I ask this question because my state taxes have to be mailed in with a copy of my federal tax return.

[WillK]

There are two options. You can file the state return as is (e-file) and then when you file the amended federal, you would file an amended state as well. Or you can log back into your account, add the missing W-2 to the federal portion of the program, go through the state portion to make sure that the W-2 has been reported, then go to the file tab and complete the filing for your state return (e-file). 

Most people find that e-filing the state as it is and then amending both returns is easiest. If you already filed your return you will need to wait to see if it was rejected or accepted. If they were rejected you are able to login to your return to fix what you need to fix and fix the errors that caused the rejection and refile the return. If your returns were accepted, then you will need to file an amended return. You should not try to amend your return until the original return it has been fully processed and you have received your refund or your payment has cleared.

Amended returns do not “catch up” to your original return and replace them; they are processed as two separate returns.  
Amended returns have to be printed and filed by mail.  It can take the IRS up to 12 weeks or longer to process them.   If you are due a larger refund than on your original return, your amended return should only show the difference and you will receive a separate check for it.  If you owe money on your amended return, it will show only the new amount owed, you will have to mail a check with the return. You can check the status of your amended return by clicking here: https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/amended-returns-form-1040-x-/wheres-my-amended-return-1

 Click here for amending instructions: https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288565

[XZ123]

Hello, I encountered the same situation. I am using Turbotax desktop. I haven't filed my state tax returns yet and the IRS online account didn't show my federal tax return. 

Q1: Do I need to file my previous state tax return firstly and then do an amendment for both federal and state?

OR, I can log into Turbotax to file a modified state tax return and then change it back. Then just do an amend to Federal?

Q2: When should I do amend? Should I wait until the federal tax status showing up in my IRS account?

Q3: Do you know except for the online IRS status tool? Is there other ways to check my status? 

[NCperson]

@XZ123 

DO NOT AMEND UNTIL the IRS has processed the initital return.  It is possible they adjust whatever you are going to amend in any event.   if you paper filed, it'll be 6-9 months from the time you filed until the IRS processes your return as it is woefully backlogged. 

if you are due a refund from the State, then there is no urgency to file (other than to get the refund).  I'd wait to complete the state return until after the IRS situation is settled as most states begin with federal income as its starting point. 

[fanfare]

I don't recommend filing an incorrect state return that you know you must immediately amend.

 you can get the same result faster filing a correct state return on paper.

TurboTax should have no problem doing a 1040 amendment if you did not file state yet.

After that is done, your state returns should be updated -- correctly -- and ready for e-File.

@XZ123