Surprise W2

[Katewagerman]

We completed our taxes and e-filed. We forgot about a W2 my husband had back at the beginning. It’s only for 4,000. Do we have to amend our return to add that or is it ok to leave it off?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

No it is not ok to leave out income.  But you cannot do anything about your mistake yet.

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it.  It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner.  The IRS does not allow you to take it back.

If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.”  The changes will go nowhere.

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return.  If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return. 

 If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund.  THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail  it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally.  You will need to use a form called a 1040X.

  Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself.  Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

[Katewagerman]

Ok so wait until the refund is issued and then mail in that form with the W2?

[Opus 17]

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@Katewagerman wrote:

Ok so wait until the refund is issued and then mail in that form with the W2?

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After you receive your refund, you need to open Turbotax back up and prepare an amended return.  You adjust your own tax return by adding the missing W-2.  You might get another refund or you might owe tax.  The amended return includes a complete new copy of your corrected tax return plus a cover sheet summarizing the changes.  You will probably be able to e-file your amended return through Turbotax.

At this point, Turbotax can't prepare amended returns and there aren't even instructions yet.  That function will probably be added to the program in March or April.  Right now, they are prioritizing implementing all the IRS changes for this season. 

[JulieS]

Yes, mail in the 1040X and the additional W2 form.

[BillM223]

Good advice all around. When you receive your refund (of course, you can peek now), please look at this TurboTax Help page for instructions on how to amend your 2021 return (as Opus said, the 2021 instructions aren't there yet).