To amend or not to amend my tax return

[urgghz]

I'm not sure if I need to amend my tax return since I chose the Standard Deduction but also have itemized deductions I entered (I realized later that I shouldn't have entered deductions).  Does that matter though since I chose the Standard Deduction anyway? I am worried since I filed SS8 forms to the IRS to determine that I am an employee (which I am) and not an independent contractor so it will look strange if they in fact see I put itemized deductions. Most of the dental offices I temped at last year misclassified me as an independent contractor so that's why I filed SS8s and with my tax return I filled out the 8919 form to figure out and report my share of the uncollected Social Security and Medicare taxes due on my compensation. I tried to contact a turbotax rep on the phone but was waiting for almost an hour and gave up. 

[KrisD15 · Accepted solution]

Itemized Deductions are different than business expenses, so it is not clear which you mean. 

If you filed as self-employed, claimed expenses on Schedule C, and it turns out you are an employee, you may need to file an amended return. 

If you listed deductions for Schedule A, but took the Standard Deduction, it won't matter and you won't need to adjust anything. 

[urgghz]

Thanks for answering! I just checked and I filed as self-employed and claimed expenses on Schedule C. I did not get the determinations yet for the SS8 but I know that I will be classified as an employee due to the language in my state practice act for my license.  When do I file an amended return?  And how do I go about doing that on turbotax? (I bought the Self-employed Assist and Review Max when I filed)

[JohnB5677]

The first thing is to allow the IRS to fully process your initial return.  They may approve what you have (They'll probably figure out later that it was wrong), or they may send a letter requesting additional information.  At any rate, complete the process.  Then prepare and file the amendment.  You have up to 3 years to file it.

You have a package that will offer you plenty of TurboTax support.  Once that initial process is complete please reach out to us and we can guide you through everything you have to do.

[urgghz]

Okay, so I'll wait to hear from the IRS and then make the amendment.  In the meantime I still will pay what it says I owe to the government, correct? 

[JohnB5677]

If you're confident you will owe the IRS that amount or if you're just plain uncomfortable, you certainly should pay as soon as you can.  If it's really in doubt, wait for the IRS determination, then make any payment promptly.