I submitted my joint return but forgot to add my social security income to the return. What should I do to rectify this error?

[AnnetteB6 · Accepted solution]

Since you have already filed your return, then it is too late to make the change to include your Social Security income.  You will need to wait until your return is either accepted or rejected by the IRS to know what to do next.

If it is accepted, then you should wait until you receive your refund so that the return has been fully processed.  Then, you can amend the originally filed return to include your Social Security income.  Be aware that including the Social Security may not change your return at all since it may not be taxable depending on your other income.  

If your return is rejected for some reason, that is actually good news.  This means that you can go ahead and make the change to include the Social Security income before you re-file the return that was rejected.  Then, no amended return is required.

If you do need to amend, take a look at the following TurboTax help article for instructions.  Also, be aware that amended returns will not be available through TurboTax until about mid to late February.  

How do I amend my federal tax return for this year?