You technically can use TurboTax to amend a prior year return that you filed elsewhere, but it is going to be a very time consuming process. But, I will give you the general steps below -
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You would need to completely fill out your 2017 return again from scratch in the TurboTax program. This would mean you would need to purchase 2017 software from the website (click here). You can't do this online. It would also mean you would need all your 2017 documents to prepare the return (i.e W2s, your 1098, and any other forms).
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You will then need to make sure that the 2017 return that you have created in TurboTax shows exactly the same thing as your original 2017 return. This is important and, if you did not prepare your return yourself the first time, it can be difficult to know exactly how it was prepared and it will be easy to miss something. One good thing about the desktop software that you will have to purchase is that there is a "forms" mode which allows you to see all the forms as you are creating them. So, you can reference both the old and new 1040 forms to make sure they show the same thing.
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You will then go all the way to the end and "file" the return. You will tell the program you are filing the return by paper - this must be done to make the program know you are done and allow the amendment to work right
- Then, you will be able to amend your "filed" return in the 2017 TurboTax program. Click here for instructions on how to file your amended return.
- TurboTax will produce the 1040X form for you to print and mail to the IRS.
