Will my refund amount change depending on what order I put multiple W-2s?

[ckennedy91]

Ignore my last post - but, I have two W-2s for 2024 from two different employers. One was a short lived job, only working about a week and a half. I now have a current job somewhere else. First time filing so I didn't know exactly what I was doing. After I filed the first short lived job, I added the job I've been working at for over a year. It showed as $11 for the refund amount. Would I need to change any answers for the other W-2 since it's from a different employer? And would that change the amount? Would I have to amend? I just don't want to make any mistakes. Thank you so much

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

No. The final refund amount will not change based on the order you enter your W-2's.  You will see the refund change as you enter different information and forms, but in the end the final results will be the same regardless of which order you enter the data.

Yes, you will need to change answers so it matches what is on the W-2 from the other employer.  Also, if any of the Uncommon situations apply to that W-2, then you would notate that when asked after entering your W-2.

The only reason you would need to amend your return is if you left something off or entered the number incorrectly.  So as long as you double check all your entries and make sure they match what is on your W-2 and makes sure you have all your forms included on that ONE return that you would be receiving prior to submitting your return, you will most likely not need to amend your return. 

[ckennedy91]

Thank you Vanessa! Quick review question on that though... how would I change the answers for questions on the one that has a different employer? It's already been accepted so do I have to amend it to change the answers? And how exactly would I be able to change answers for both? When filing, it only let me answer questions for one and then turning it in...did I need to add a W-2 before filing?

[VolvoGirl]

Whoa.  Let's start over.  You entered the first W2 and filed it and it was Accepted?  You are suppose to enter all your income on the same tax return before you file.  Yes you needed to add the other W2 before filing.  So yes you need to amend that return to add the other one. 

I don't understand what answers you would need to change on the first W2.  You needed to enter them both one at a time.  It didn't matter which order you enter them but since you  already filed one you need to wait for that one to fully process and the IRS send you the first $11 refund.  Then you can amend to add the other W2.  The original return you filed was a 1040 Tax Return.  The Amended return will be a 1040X return.   The amended return isn't ready to do until later February.  So there's no hurry .   Oh, and you may have to pay back the $11 if you end up owing on the amended tax return.  

Do you have any other income you didn't enter?  Like any bank interest?  Or other things to enter like health insurance?  Were you a student or a dependent on anyone else's return?  

[VolvoGirl]

I looked at  your other post about 2023.  I had answered on that one too.  So you are clear on 2023 and 2024?  Are both of these W2s in addition to the one for  2023?  

Oh need more info on the 2024 jobs.  I read your post again.  Did you submit and file after entering the first 2024 W2 and it was accepted and then you added the second W2?  If you had already filed the first one then you need to take out the second W2 and put your return back to the way you first filed before amending.    

[Vanessa A]

So it sounds like you did NOT enter everyone on ONE return and that you submitted your return before adding your second W-2?.  If you did not enter everything on ONE return, then you WILL need to Amend your return in order to add everything.  When you file a return, you only file one.  It does not matter which order on that ONE return you enter your forms, but they all have to go on ONE return and the numbers are added up together to come up with your total income and your total tax liability. 

After you start the amend process, you will go to the W-2 section and then select Add a W-2.  This is UNDER the summary box. 

You should only submit ONE return every year, which is the 1040 form. The ONLY time you should submit more than one is if you are correcting the first one but then you will use the 1040-X NOT submit the 1040 again. 

Having to amend your return, will likely change your refund amount. You may have to pay back some or you may get more back.  It just depends on how the additional income affects your overall situation. 

How to File an Amended Tax Return with the IRS

[ckennedy91]

Thank you for responding! I'm so sorry it's confusing it's my first time doing taxes - with no help either. Thank you for all the important info, but could you elaborate on the part where you said the amended return isn't ready to do until late feb? And I'll have to see if I have any interests or anything.

[VolvoGirl]

Turbo Tax doesn't have the 1040X amended return ready to fill out yet.   Keep checking.  When it's ready come back and check the instructions here How to Amend the current year
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-federal-tax-return-curr...

[DawnC]

The tax form (1040X) has not been finalized in TurboTax yet, which means, you can't file the form right now.   You can check the availability with the tool in this TurboTax FAQ.    It is tentatively scheduled for 02/20, but that could change, see below.  

If you receive tax forms for other types of income, including interest or w-2s, you can prepare one amendment to report any and all income you forgot to include when you originally filed.   

Reasons you would need to amend your tax return, and reasons why you would NOT amend, please see:  Do I need to amend my return?  You have 3 years to file an amended return.  

[ckennedy91]

Yes ma'am I did 😭, and thank you! But how am I supposed to take out the other w-2? I don't see an option to take it out...

[BrittanyS]

To delete a W-2 entry, follow these steps in TurboTax:

1. Sign in to TurboTax
2. Select Wage and Income
3. Select the Edit Icon next to Job W-2
4. Select the down arrow next complete on the W-2 you want to delete
5. Select Delete

See screenshot below:

@ckennedy91