topic Re: What's the best sequence? Timing? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

What's the best sequence? Timing?

BTRR — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:12:12 GMT

I'm ready to file the following 3 returns. What's the best sequence and timing for filing?

Amended 2023 Return - The 8606 (for a distribution) was missing; it's now included.

Amended 2024 Return - The 8606 (for a distribution) was missing; it's now included.

2025 Return - It includes the 8606 (for a distribution).

Please advise. Many thanks!

Re: What's the best sequence? Timing?

JohnB5677 — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 11:08:28 GMT

Steps to file amended returns for 2024 and 2024, and file an original 2025 with adjusted IRS Form 8606, "Nondeductible IRAs,"

They should be filed in chronological order.
Pay any taxes that you owe for 2025.
Amended returns require manual processing,
File the 2023 amende return and wait 2 weeks (or until it shows Processing)
Then file the 2024 amended return and wait until both are completely processed.
You can now E-file your 2025 tax return.
Since you've paid the tax, there should not be a penalty.

Re: What's the best sequence? Timing?

BTRR — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:18:48 GMT

Thanks! Very helpful!

For both my 2025 Federal and State returns, I'm getting refunds. Since April 15th is less than 2 weeks away, how do I follow your sequence without missing the 2025 deadline? Am I allowed to file my 2025 return after April 15? Please help me understand. Many thanks!

Re: What's the best sequence? Timing?

JohnB5677 — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:16:12 GMT

Yes, you can file after April 15th, but you will have to file an extension.  This will extend the time you have to file your taxes until October 15th, 2026. 

On the left rail menu in TurboTax Online Select Tax Tools (You may have to scroll down on the left rail menu.)
On the drop-down select Tools
On the Pop-up menu titled “Tools Center,” select File an extension
Follow the instructions to start the extension process

Also, you may have to file your state taxes:

Do I need to file an extension for my personal state taxes? 

Re: What's the best sequence? Timing?

dmertz — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 13:54:59 GMT

I don't think that there is any benefit to waiting to file your 2025 tax return. I have never seen any evidence that the IRS tracks your IRA basis or compares Forms 8606 between years outside of an audit, instead relying on the taxpayer to provide accurate information on an individual Form 8606. As long as your 2025 From 8606 is accurate relative to the amendments for 2023 and 2024, that should be sufficient.

Re: What's the best sequence? Timing?

BTRR — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:36:19 GMT

@JohnB5677 - I appreciate your replies! Many thanks! Please know I'm not trying to start an argument here. I'm just trying to make educated decisions about how I should proceed. Given this, I'd appreciate your thoughts on dmertz's reply to this string. Especially with respect to (1) how the IRS does/doesn't chronologically track 8606 basis, and (2) does the IRS have any clue as to what transpired more than 10 years ago?

Please advise. Many thanks!

Re: What's the best sequence? Timing?

JohnB5677 — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:48:21 GMT

I have always adhered to the process stated above, and have had success.

However:

I ‌agree with @dmertz that the IRS is probably not going to evaluate the 8606 on the current tax return.
I have no idea how long the IRS maintains records.
1. I'm sure it's in excess of 10 years
2. However, unless it's an extreme circumstance I don't think they would go back that far.

@BTRR

Re: What's the best sequence? Timing?

dmertz — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:28:14 GMT

The initial IRS checking of your tax return is done by the IRS Automated Underreporter system. This system checks you tax return against the information returns filed by the various payers of your income but does not seem to look outside this information to thing such as previously filed tax returns. Catching a discrepancy with regard to basis reported on a Form 8606 would likely come later, if at all.

IRS tax-return processing status show the IRS currently processing amendments that were filed in January 2026, three months behind. I imagine that the influx of amendments between January and today means that it could easily take six months to process your amendments, so it's possible that the automatic extension could expire before you r amendments have been processed.

https://www.irs.gov/help/processing-status-for-tax-forms

With regard to Forms 8606, the IRS instructions say for you to keep your filed Forms 8606 forever. This suggests that if the IRS has any question about your basis, the IRS is going to want you to provide copies of those saved forms and any other documentation that you have to support your basis. My feeling is that the IRS does not research your old filings to find information to support your position but instead places that responsibility on you.

Of course it doesn't hurt to request a filing extension and file later, but if your tax return shows a refund, filing later would delay your refund. If your tax return shows a balance due, that still must be paid by April 15.