Refund monitor for an amended return not starting at zero

[dyons]

I have just started to amend a 2022 federal tax return. When I start the amendment process, the refund monitor does not start at 0 (zero). It changes to a negative (red) number. I have made no changes or entries at all. I just started the amendment process. Please can some expert explain this behavior. Thanks.

[MonikaK1]

The refund meter doesn't always start at zero. Follow these steps when amending a return:

If you prepared your original tax return using TurboTax, log in to your account, open the tax return you already filed, and click on the link to amend your return. From there, the software will walk you through the process of filing the amendment.

If you didn't use TurboTax to file your tax return, you can use TurboTax to prepare the amendment. However, you'll first have to enter your information into TurboTax to match what you filed the first time, then start the process of amending it.

Then, review the 1040X itself.

Column A should show the original amount reported

Column B should show the net change— amount of increase or (decrease)

Column C should show the new correct amount for the line item

There are times when you should amend your return and times when you shouldn't. Here are some common situations that call for an amendment:

• You realized you missed out on claiming a tax deduction or credit.
• You accidentally claimed the wrong tax filing status.
• You need to add or remove a dependent.
• You forgot to claim taxable income on your tax return.
• You realize you claimed an expense, deduction, or credit that you weren't eligible to claim.

See this article and this one for more information on filing an amended return with TurboTax.

[dyons]

Thanks for your response, but the first page of the Turbotax program starting the amendment process has text that says that the meter should start at ZERO. In my case, it starts at some RANDOM number which I am not able to reconcile with any of the entries in the original return.

You say that the meter does not always start at zero. What is the reason why the meter should not start at zero?

Thank you.

[istet007]

I am having the same issue. Let's assume that on the original 1040 form AGI is 100,000. When I amend the return on form 1040X, the original amount shows as 99,000 (column A), column B shows a 1,000 and the "corrected" amount on column C is 100,000. So turbotax starts the amended return calculating that I have to pay tax on 1000, tax that I already paid with the original return. Because the corrected amount is exactly what it is on the original 1040 form. This seems to be a bug that needs to be fixed ASAP.

[CatinaT1]

Make sure you are using these guidelines when amending.

If you want to make changes or add a document to a tax return that has already been submitted, you should follow these guidelines. 

• You must first wait until the initial return is completely processed. 
• You will have to use the same TurboTax account that you used for the original tax return. 
• Once you begin your amendment, you'll see your original return.  
• The refund calculator will start new at $0 and only reflect the changes in the refund or tax due 
• Only make changes to the areas of your return that need amending. 
• You have three years from the date you filed your return or two years after you paid the tax due (whichever is later) to file an amendment 

Select your product below and follow the instructions. 

Amend TurboTax Online 

Amend TurboTax CD/Download 

[DatBio]

@CatinaT1 

You are not answering the original problem.  We are just trying to create the tax amendment from a return that has been filed and refunded has been granted.  Just use turbotax to create a new tax amendment for 2022 tax and open the already filed tax return. Then the indicator shows some number like $44 for my case.  It should start out at $0.   

How to get to first to show $0.  You also stated that it does not always show $0. But then I add the changes to the amendment and the final refund indicator is the difference I supposed to pay + the initial $44.  How I know? I am trying to amend for a excess roth contribution and penalty of $360 I expect.  After entering this excess contribution, the refund indicator shows -$316.  

How to fix this?

[4therudds]

I just started an amended 2023 return through my TurboTax Desktop PC Software- selected amended return- selected the data file (following all the correct procedures outlined). 

The first screen of the amended return shows, "Refund $480," and I haven't done or entered anything else or anything new.  The instructions say an amended return will start at zero refund.  That screen even states, "Why did my refund monitor just change to zero?"  I'm afraid there is a bug such that my amended return will have errors.  Please advise.

[neecick]

I am having the EXACT same issue when trying to amend my 2022 return filed last year with TurboTax desktop.  Currently trying to amend it with the same desktop version and refund counter is not starting at zero, so final refund calculated on amended return is incorrect.

[neecick]

Additionally, I had no trouble amending a return using the 2023 version of the software a month or so ago.  Refund monitor went to zero as expected, no issues.

[neecick]

I was finally able to figure out how to fix this issue and posted the steps here in case it helps anyone who finds this page from googling the problem like I did:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/after-you-file/discussion/workaround-for-amended-ret[product key r...

[TaxUser16]

I am getting this issue for my 2023 return when trying to amend.  I don't think this issue is resolved yet. 

Crazy thing is, i went in and the amended had completely remove my married status and had me set to single.  I am stuck at this point and am unable to file an amendment due to this issue. 

[BrittanyS]

Are you using the account you originally filed your 2023 return from?

@TaxUser16 

[mancillaj]

am seeing the same problem.

[mancillaj]

Thank you!

[TaxUser16]

Yes.  I filed using TurboTax online in 2024 and am using that same account to try and file an amendment.  

Something i realized after talking with someone at TurboTax is that this will be 2nd time i amended my 2023 return, the first time to take advantage of a credit i did not have the correctly documentation for and this one will be to add an amended K1.