topic Amended Return in After you file

Amended Return

EricMz23 — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:04:48 GMT

Hello, I've filed for an amended return for my 2021 taxes. I had filed my 2020 taxes under the 2021 option. I e-filed & the amend was accepted (stated my issue). However, I cannot file my actual 2021 taxes still. It still shows my 2020 taxes under the 2021 option. How can I file my 2021 taxes???

Re: Amended Return

Critter-3 — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:19:44 GMT

Ok ... so you used the 2020 info on the 2021 forms and successfully efiled it ? Then you amended the return and you did what ? Did you correctly change all the wrong 2020 information to the correct 2021 information and efiled the 1040X (correct way ... this files the 2021 return automatically ... no further filing required) ? Or did you simply zero everything out so you filed a 1040X with zeros in column C (wrong way) ?

Re: Amended Return

VolvoGirl — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:20:10 GMT

If you used the current online program to do 2020 it thinks it WAS your 2021 return. So you seem to know you need to amend it to be for your real 2021 return. The amended return is now your 2021 return. You already filed it. You don't need to file a separate 2021 return. Or I'm not following what you did.

Re: Amended Return

EricMz23 — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:22:41 GMT

Oh, I did it the wrong way.. So basically I just have to input the actual 2021 information. What will happen to my 2020 returns? Will I have to owe anything/re-file them under 2020 returns?

Re: Amended Return

VolvoGirl — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:33:45 GMT

Well you have to amend that 2020 return you think you did and change everything on it to be for 2021. With me so far? You said you did amend it. Did you fix it up to be for 2021?

Then you still need to do a 2020 return. To do a prior year return you have to buy the Desktop program here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand. Here are some basic forms.....

Here is the 2020 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s--2020.pdf

2020 1040 Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040gi--2020.pdf

2020 EIC and Tax Tables

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/i1040tt--2020.pdf

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s1--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s2--2020.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040s3--2020.pdf

Don’t forget your state. And you will have to print and mail your returns. So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them. You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places. Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.