what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

[whodiini]

Here's my situation

- just efiled my 2022 federal after getting an extension.

- discovered errors in my 2021 returns while preparing the state return

Now I need to amend my federal and state 2021 returns.  Federal has to be mailed, state can be efiled (I think) amendments.  When you efile, it takes about a month to get processed, when you mail it takes about 3 months.

Here's my thinking

1.  Mail 2021 amended federal return now.

2.  Efile amended 2021 state return now.

3.  Wait a month, then mail 2022 state return before Oct 15 deadline.

4.  Wait 3 months until Dec 2023 and efile 2022 federal return amendment.

Is this a good sequence to allow for processing of returns? 

[NCperson]

@whodiini each year stands on its own.  2022 is not dependent on 2021

for ANY amendment  - wait until the IRS approves the original return for that year before submitting an amendment.  (if the amendment results in owing money that can separately be paid immediately at the IRS website to stop any additional interest from accruing - you shouldn't wait to pay money owed while waiting for the original tax return to be approved).

[whodiini]

For me 2022 depends on 2021.  Because I carry over unused amounts for depreciation.

i realized my order is wrong.  I need to file the 2022 federal amendment before I file the 2022 state, because the state return is based on the amended 2022 federal return.

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot e-file a state return unless you first e-file a federal return and it has to be accepted.  So your plan to mail federal returns and e-file state returns will  not work for you.   If you are mailing federal returns---amended or original--- then you can only mail the state returns.     Amended federal returns take six months or more to be processed by the IRS.   Amended state returns may take less time, depending on which state.

[whodiini]

But when I amended my 2021 return in turboxtax, it said that I had to mail in my federal amendment and offered to efile the amended state return! So why does turbotax allow that if it cant be done??

[taxlady28]

If it offered to efile 2021 state file, that was a programming error.  It has to be mailed.

[whodiini]

I believe you are dead wrong. 

Here is the link from the CA FTB:

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/tax-pros/efile/efile-for-individuals.html

It says "

You can use e-file for these types of California tax returns:

• Original returns (this tax year and past two years)
• Amended returns (this tax year and past two years)"

Here is the link in turbotax that says how to do it:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-california-state-return...

[whodiini]

I will say that it is true for CA, but you may be correct depending on the exact state.  I originally did not state (pun) that I wanted to amend in CA.

[taxlady28]

CA can be efiled with professional software that allows a 2021 return to be efiled.  TurboTax is not one of those products.

[whodiini]

@xmasbaby0

I am staring at turbotax 2021 amend instructions (wish I could include a snapshot.

It says to print and mail the federal amended return.  Then it asks to efile the amended state  return. 

You say "You cannot e-file a state return unless you first e-file a federal return and it has to be accepted. "

Can  you point to anywhere it says that for CA?  I looked and cannot find any restriction except that in CA, you MUST efile unless you have reasonable cause not to. 

[whodiini]

"California is the only state return that can be e-filed without the federal return."

[NCperson]

@whodiini  then just go ahead and efile the CA tax return,  if it fails, you will know why (and just mail it)   if it succeeeds, please let everyone how.

Debating this point is fruitless,

[xmasbaby0]

@whodiini First off----it is not until your later posts that you mention CA.  We cannot see your returns so we have no way to know what state you are talking about unless you tell us.   And....in general....it is impossible to e-file a state return using TurboTax do-it-yourself tax software unless you successfully e-file the federal return.   Professional tax preparers who use professional software may get different results.   As suggested, you can go ahead and try e-filing if you want to.  But if and when the e-file fails, print the return, sign and date it in ink, and mail it in.

[xmasbaby0]

Further.....it is impossible to e-file any sort of 2021 return using TurboTax software.   Only professional tax preparers may be able e-file 2021 returns. The fact that the state accepts 2021 e-files does not mean you can e-file 2021 using TT.    E-filing any year other than 2022 is impossible using do-it-yourself TurboTax software.

[fanfare]

someone recently posted that they were able to e-File Federal 2021 Form 1040-X via TurboTax.

@whodiini