TurboTax 2023 desktop refuses to e-file amended tax return? ("closed for the season")

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 21, 2025
4 replies
3 views

I just went through the steps in TurboTax 2023 to amend my 2023 return. It then told me to print out the 1040-X and mail it in, but also told me if I click the File tab, it might e-file it. When I click the File tab, it says E-Filing is closed for the season since 10/15/2024. And yet, the IRS says it accepts e-file of amended returns for something like the past 2 or 3 years.

Am I hitting the wrong buttons in TurboTax 2023 to get the 1040-X to e-file, or does TurboTax really stop e-filing amended returns after October of the following year? That seems very restrictive.

DoninGA

Level 15

The 2023 federal amended tax return, Form 1040-X, can only be printed and mailed using TurboTax, it cannot be e-filed.

paperplasticcottonAuthor

Level 3

I see the following at https://www.irs.gov/faqs/electronic-filing-e-file, which confirms that 1040-X can be e-filed. Can you clarify why you believe it doesn't confirm that?

Can I file an amended Form 1040-X electronically?

Answer:

You can file Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return electronically with tax filing software to amend your Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040-SS/PR for the current or two prior tax periods. If amending a prior year return originally filed on paper, then the amended return must also be filed on paper. See Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return: Frequently asked questions for more information. Even if you filed your original return electronically, you still have the option to file a paper version of the Form 1040-X and should follow the instructions for preparing and filing the paper form.

DoninGA

Level 15

@paperplasticcotton The IRS allows a prior year federal amended tax return to be e-filed. The problem is that TurboTax is not set up to e-file a prior year amended return. It has to be printed and mailed when using TurboTax.

TGIF1

Level 2

I was looking for the same answer, and I was getting the same message. But I went ahead and clicked continue, after it gathered all my information, It gave me the option e-File (recommended). I have still not filed yet but clicked next again, and it gave me option to E-file my federal return now, so I am sure it would work.

RobertB4444

Level 15

It sounds like you may have made changes to the original return before you created the amended return.

Delete the amended return that you have created and go back to start over. Review your 2024 tax return and make sure that the W-2s are still not on there. Then click the 'amend my return' button and the return you are amending should be the correct one.

@armando50

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PappaJx3

Level 2

I agree (on restrictive). I spent over 3 hrs trying to get the return amended and forms to populate properly only to have TurboTax not save the 1040X form apparently because I didn't use the "easy-step" and just opened the 1040X form. AND then to add insult to injury I couldn't e-file the Amended return for the reason you found, "closed for the season" - TOTALLY unacceptable! Should be able to e-file an amended return for up to 2 years (especially if it was e-filed and accepted originally). I have to say I'm getting more and more disappointed with TurboTax user interface, testing, and quality of the software.

user17525908810

Level 2

I'm receiving the same message using TurboTax 2023 desktop to amend a return originally e-filed with TurboTax. I called the TurboTax Desktop customer service, and they confirmed that TurboTax does not provide for an e-file of an amended return for the 2023 year after October 15, 2024. I asked if TurboTax was addressing or if anything was in the works to update or allow for this in the near future. TurboTax response was no, not currently.

This is not an IRS issue or restriction as the IRS generally allows for an e-filing of an amended return for the prior 3 years. It's a TurboTax administrative choice or filing issue to not provide for this. Not sure why, especially when an original return was e-filed with TurboTax??

Filing a paper amended return using TurboTax for this 2023 tax year is apparently your only option if using TurboTax. With the downsizing and staffing cuts at the IRS, filing a paper amended return may take over 8 months to get processed and to receive a refund and that assumes they process it correctly and without any further notices or information requests they could send out to the taxpayer.

Requiring taxpayers to paper file an income tax return when an original return has been e-filed via TurboTax within 3 years is not only a burden, but also time consuming and it's not preferred by either the IRS or state government agencies.

TurboTax and Intuit should update their software and filing system to provide for e-filing! Perhaps if they receive enough complaints, they will update their filing system!

xmasbaby0

Level 15

Only certain paid tax pros using professional tax software can e-file past year amended returns. You cannot e-file an amended past year return that you prepared yourself using TurboTax. Your 1040X must be printed, signed and dated in ink, and then you need to mail it in. Use a mailing service like certified mail so you will know the IRS received it, since you will have a long wait for it to be processed.

Do not expect quick results from amending. It can take four months or more for the IRS to process an amended return.

You can watch for information here:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

user17525908810

Level 2

If TurboTax provided for it, one could e-file a prior year 2023 or 2022 amended return using the same TurboTax software one used for the original return, without having to paper file or hire a paid professional.

You can e-file an amended 2024 return using TurboTax if you file it by October 15, 2025. However, TurboTax does not allow or provide for e-filing an amended 2023 return. Reason provided by TurboTax is that it’s past October 15, 2024. It’s not because the IRS or the State won’t accept it.

A benefit of using TurboTax is that you don’t have to hire and pay a professional for a return you can prepare and just so they can e-file it for you. TurboTax should provide for it. TurboTax charges for e-filing!