Unable to e-file amended 1040X for 2021

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
May 1, 2022
2 replies
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I've prepared an amended 1040X return in TT (download/desktop version), but when I try to e-file it, TT says "it looks like you haven't e-filed your 1040 through TT" and won't let me e-file the 1040X. But I did e-file my 1040 with the same version of TT, just two weeks ago; I was careful not to download any updates to TT since then and am using the same version that I prepared and e-filed my return with. Why doesn't it see my record of e-filing and how do I fix this so I can e-file my 1040X?

pk_

Level 15

@Lizgirlll , since you are using desktop version , I would (a) first update to the latest level; (b) open the TurboTax and it should show the filed/prepared return as filed. (c) If not then, there is some issue here -- because when you go through all the steps of filing and paying ( for the state return filing, not preparing ), then it should ask for you bank details, your id / driver's license etc. etc. and then transmit the return. Once that is done Turbo will close. You should then receive an email and/or text message telling you of the return has been accepted by the IRS and/or the State.

If you do not remember having gone through these steps , then you need to file the return. If that is your case then do not file an amended return, just correct the original -- open the original, save it then make changes, save it with a different name ( so you know this is correct one ). Then go through all the checks and file the returns.

Is there more I can do for you ?

LizgirlllAuthor

Level 2

Hi pk,

Thanks for your suggestions; unfortunately the problem persists and TT says I have not filed my return yet when all indications are that I did. On April 18 I had gone through all the steps of e-filing that you describe (paying for the state return etc.) and TT transmitted the return and closed. I subsequently received emails from TT stating that both my federal and state returns were transmitted and accepted.

Today I tried the following: 1) updated TT to the latest version. 2) Opened the same April 18 .tax2021 file that was saved after transmitting. The screen that comes up says: "Welcome back to TurboTax. First let's check the status of your returns," with button to click that says "Check e-filing status now". When I click that, it says "You haven't e-filed a return yet." So I tried e-filing again just to see if it hadn't gone through before, but I got: "Transmission failed. The submission is a duplicate of one that was previously received... Please contact customer support... Looks like we've had a technical hiccup." Then if I go back and click on e-filing status, it still says "You haven't e-filed a return yet," so there is some sort of glitch.

I noted that the original .tax2021 file is 3.1 mB, but after I re-open it with TT, and experience the above message about not having filed, TT saves it as 2.8 mB. Not sure if this has to do with the updated version being more compact or if TT isn't reading something in the original. I retrieved the original 3.1 mB file from my TimeMachine backup and tried again, but got the same thing.

So I'm at a loss for how to file an amendment, which I need to do, since TT does not recognize that I have filed. Or have I really filed?

Any further guidance would be appreciated.

LizgirlllAuthor

Level 2

@Lizgirlll

The ACCEPTED message comes from IRS even if TurboTax makes it look like it comes from TurboTax.

You didn't say before that your e-File was ACCEPTED.

If you call IRS they can confirm that your return is received. That's about all they will be able to tell you.

@fanfare @pk12_2

Reporting back after phoning TT Support yesterday and finally getting transferred to an agent at the 'Resolution Desk'. She could check and confirm that my 2021 return had been successfully e-filed through TT and was accepted by the IRS. However she didn't have an answer for why my desktop TT software is showing that I have not yet e-filed, despite taking a close look with me granting her screen-sharing access.

Regardless, she said even if my TT did properly show I had e-filed my 1040, she doubts I could use the desktop version of TT to e-file an amended return. She said with the TT Online version, you can e-file amendments, but with TT Desktop, there can be limitations and often it's not possible. So if I need to file an amended fed and state return, I'll need to print out everything and mail it.

I also let her know that the only reason I need to amend my return is that after filing, I noticed that TT made an error in essentially importing one of my 1099's twice. It was imported with two different titles and different dollar amounts, but one was basically a duplicate of the other and thus my income is overestimated. Wish I'd noticed this before filing! At this point I will wait to see if the IRS catches and corrects this in processing my return; if not, I will mail them a bunch of paper! Thanks for your help.

dmch1

Level 2

Hi, I am having same problem (also desktop) same error. Have you had any luck?

LizgirlllAuthor

Level 2

@dmch1

No, I did not find a way to e-file an amended return. The TurboTax agent I spoke to, including granting screen access to look at the problem, told me it usually isn't possible with the desktop version as there are "limitations" and I should file the amended return by paper. That feels like a hassle since the federal + state amended returns amount to 100 pages of paper.

If you should happen to find a resolution, please let me know. Good luck!

VolvoGirl

Level 15

You don't need to send all the pages to amend. And you should be able to efile an amended return from the Desktop program.

First you need to update your original return with the filing status before you amend. For the Desktop program you have to check the filing status inside the program. Open your return and go up to menu item

File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status

Then save your return with the status. Go to File-Save. And then close and reopen the program for it to update.

BUT I've been seeing posts that the Desktop program isn't updating the filing status. There might be a problem with that. So that might be why it won't let you efile. It doesn't know the original efile was accepted.