Thank you @Mike9241 ... So helpful ... I think they at least have a question about my 2023 original return, or it wouldn't be held up so long, but I've gotta file 2024 by 10/15/25, so onward we go. Just to clarify, in your reply re Option 2, is my understanding as I've added it below in line with Option 2 as you see it?:
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... "2) file 2024 with the corrected numbers, no amended 2023.
then [if or] when you get a notice from the IRS that they are changing your 2024 [<Mike, did you mean 2023 here?] return you can dispute the changes by sending back that notice with a copy of the amended 2023 return [Explain that you are including an informational copy of the amended 2023 return, putting a date of submission at the top, that contains corrections that you discovered yourself, adding any other changes to 2023 that the IRS asserts and with which you agree. Explain that you intend to officially amend 2023 as soon as that taxable year is processed. Do not sign the informational return.].
file the 2023 amended once the [2023] return is processed.
if [after officially filing your 2023 amended return,] you do get a notice for 2024 [and you need to reference and attach your 2023 amended return,] on the 2023 amended copy sent back with the notice [for 2024,] write at the top [of the copy of the included 2023 amended return: }"Previously submitted [with the date you filed your official 2023 1040-X]"
[But if you get a notice for 2024 BEFORE 2023 is processed, which, could happen, you will not have officially filed your 2023 1040-X, and the 2024 notice may relate at least in part to 2023 items. In that case, send them a copy of the 2023 informational 1040-X with the date of submission, explaining that you intend to officially amend 2023 once 2023 is processed. If your 2023 year is still being processed at such time, and you've already sent them one informational 2023 amended return, send it again with your response to 2024, clearly marking at the top that it was previously submitted if it hasn't changed from what you previously submitted. Dates of submission of your informational returns at the top will help all concerned].
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It sounds worse than it is to go through the scenarios, but step by step. Thank you, all comments welcome if I've misunderstood.
