What do the tax numbers mean on an amended return? Is it the net change in taxes btwn orig and amended, or is it the number if I had filed correctly in first place?

[SilverRaven]

I wasn't aware that I misunderstood the rule about adult dependent and didn't claim an elderly aunt that my cousin and I split to put in a board-and-care.  In 2020 - made-up numbers  - I paid 5k in federal and got 10k refund from CA.  In  my amended return, the numbers now say I get a 2k refund from fed and 5k refund from state.  Is this how much I get or am I getting 7k from fed (2k-(-5k))=7k, and have to pay 5k (5k-10k=(-5k))?   

[VolvoGirl]

Then the amended return is only for the difference you get back or owe.  I think the cover sheet shows what the original return WOULD have been if you did it right the first time.

Go by the actual 1040X.  Line 18 should be your original refund amount and line 22 should be your additional refund.  If you paid on your original return it will be on line 16.  If there is an amount owed with the amendment, it will be on line 20.

If you have a tax due, do not send the 1040V.  Just include a check with the 1040X.  Ignore the 1040V.  That is for the original return or what the original return would have been if it didn’t need correcting.  Don’t pay the amount on the 1040V.  Pay the amount on the actual 1040X.