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Level 2
Mar 12, 2021 12:49 AM UTC
Question

Should I amend my 2020 return or wait?

So I already filed my 2020 tax return but I just noticed that I accidentally put my 2019 w2’s instead of my 2020. Should I amend it now or wait until they process the refund? 

4 replies

Alumni - Champ
Mar 12, 2021 1:48 AM UTC

Wait until you have your refund.

DawnC
Employee Tax Expert
Employee Tax Expert
Mar 12, 2021 3:06 AM UTC

The 1040X won't be updated in TurboTax until at least next week based on this chart.     You can use this link when it is ready, but as stated above, wait until your return is fully processed and you receive your refund before you file the amendment.   If the IRS adjusts something on your return, you run the risk of having to file multiple amended returns, yuck!   You will be able to e-file the amendment this year in TurboTax, so that should streamline the process and get it processed quickly.  

 

You have 3 years from the date you filed your return or 2 years after you paid the tax due (whichever is later) to file an amendment.   They are necessary when:

 

  • You need to report a tax form you forgot (or confused with 2019:) about or received post-filing (most commonly a W-2, 1099, or 1095-A).
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Level 2
Mar 12, 2021 3:09 AM UTC

Will the irs still process it fully even though the w2’s reported are from a previous year? 

Alumni - Intuit
Mar 12, 2021 3:52 PM UTC

Yes, the IRS will probably process your 2020 income tax return "as is". The IRS doesn't know the W-2's are from 2019 because you entered them in 2020. They may not question why you show more income on your tax return versus what your employers sent in to the IRS.

Generally, Form 1040-X,  Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, must be filed within three years of the date the original return was filed, or within two years of the date the tax was paid, whichever is later.

 

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