Before filing an amended return, make sure the IRS has already processed the tax return you need to amend. That way, you can ensure the IRS won't get your original return and amended return mixed up. If you've already received your tax refund, then you know the IRS has already processed your return.
Just keep in mind that the IRS limits the amount of time you have to file an amended return to claim a refund to:
- Within three years from the original filing deadline, or
- Within two years of paying the tax due for that year, if that date is later.
If you're outside of that window, you can't claim a refund by amending your return.
How to file an amended tax return
The process for filing an amended return is fairly straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Collect your documents
Gather your original tax return and any new documents needed to prepare your amended return.
If you initially filed your tax return using TurboTax, you can access your tax return online or print a copy of that return by logging in to your account at TurboTax online or print a PDF of your return from the copy saved on your computer.
You can also prepare your amended return in TurboTax. To do this, you need to use the version of TurboTax that applies to the tax year you need to amend. For example, if you need to amend your 2019 tax return, you need to use the 2019 version of TurboTax.
If you prepared your original tax return using TurboTax, log in to your account, open the tax return you already filed, and click on the link to amend your return. From there, the software will walk you through the process of filing the amendment.
