topic what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet? in After you file

what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:05:02 GMT

Here's my situation

- just efiled my 2022 federal after getting an extension.

- discovered errors in my 2021 returns while preparing the state return

Now I need to amend my federal and state 2021 returns. Federal has to be mailed, state can be efiled (I think) amendments. When you efile, it takes about a month to get processed, when you mail it takes about 3 months.

Here's my thinking

1. Mail 2021 amended federal return now.

2. Efile amended 2021 state return now.

3. Wait a month, then mail 2022 state return before Oct 15 deadline.

4. Wait 3 months until Dec 2023 and efile 2022 federal return amendment.

Is this a good sequence to allow for processing of returns?

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

NCperson — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 01:52:21 GMT

@whodiini each year stands on its own. 2022 is not dependent on 2021

for ANY amendment - wait until the IRS approves the original return for that year before submitting an amendment. (if the amendment results in owing money that can separately be paid immediately at the IRS website to stop any additional interest from accruing - you shouldn't wait to pay money owed while waiting for the original tax return to be approved).

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 02:29:23 GMT

For me 2022 depends on 2021. Because I carry over unused amounts for depreciation.

i realized my order is wrong. I need to file the 2022 federal amendment before I file the 2022 state, because the state return is based on the amended 2022 federal return.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 02:49:25 GMT

You cannot e-file a state return unless you first e-file a federal return and it has to be accepted. So your plan to mail federal returns and e-file state returns will not work for you. If you are mailing federal returns---amended or original--- then you can only mail the state returns. Amended federal returns take six months or more to be processed by the IRS. Amended state returns may take less time, depending on which state.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 03:45:27 GMT

But when I amended my 2021 return in turboxtax, it said that I had to mail in my federal amendment and offered to efile the amended state return! So why does turbotax allow that if it cant be done??

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

taxlady28 — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 04:38:24 GMT

If it offered to efile 2021 state file, that was a programming error. It has to be mailed.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:56:17 GMT

I believe you are dead wrong.

Here is the link from the CA FTB:

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/tax-pros/efile/efile-for-individuals.html

It says "

You can use e-file for these types of California tax returns:

Original returns (this tax year and past two years)
Amended returns (this tax year and past two years)"

Here is the link in turbotax that says how to do it:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-california-state-return-turbotax-online/L1lJYpjDc_US_en_US

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 06:54:25 GMT

I will say that it is true for CA, but you may be correct depending on the exact state. I originally did not state (pun) that I wanted to amend in CA.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

taxlady28 — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:53:17 GMT

CA can be efiled with professional software that allows a 2021 return to be efiled. TurboTax is not one of those products.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:19:25 GMT

@xmasbaby0

I am staring at turbotax 2021 amend instructions (wish I could include a snapshot.

It says to print and mail the federal amended return. Then it asks to efile the amended state return.

You say "You cannot e-file a state return unless you first e-file a federal return and it has to be accepted. "

Can you point to anywhere it says that for CA? I looked and cannot find any restriction except that in CA, you MUST efile unless you have reasonable cause not to.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:55:32 GMT

"California is the only state return that can be e-filed without the federal return."

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

NCperson — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 09:56:17 GMT

@whodiini then just go ahead and efile the CA tax return, if it fails, you will know why (and just mail it) if it succeeeds, please let everyone how.

Debating this point is fruitless,

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 13:06:31 GMT

@whodiini First off----it is not until your later posts that you mention CA. We cannot see your returns so we have no way to know what state you are talking about unless you tell us. And....in general....it is impossible to e-file a state return using TurboTax do-it-yourself tax software unless you successfully e-file the federal return. Professional tax preparers who use professional software may get different results. As suggested, you can go ahead and try e-filing if you want to. But if and when the e-file fails, print the return, sign and date it in ink, and mail it in.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:26:02 GMT

Further.....it is impossible to e-file any sort of 2021 return using TurboTax software. Only professional tax preparers may be able e-file 2021 returns. The fact that the state accepts 2021 e-files does not mean you can e-file 2021 using TT. E-filing any year other than 2022 is impossible using do-it-yourself TurboTax software.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

fanfare — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:28:22 GMT

someone recently posted that they were able to e-File Federal 2021 Form 1040-X via TurboTax.

@whodiini

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:21:05 GMT

Thank you for all your comments. I agree, debating is pointless and it is also off topic. So I will stop commenting on whether or not amendments can be efiled.

There are important points people made:

- You need to have the tax return accepted before you can amend it. Mailing it can result in a few months delay before it is accepted, so mailing a return and efiling the amendment (even if possible) shortly thereafter doesnt work in terms of the sequencing.

- Each year's tax return submissions and amendments are independent of other years dates of submission and amendments

- State requirements vary. In very general terms, CA seems to be different than the other states, so it makes a difference what specific state is being discussed.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

Critter-3 — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:44:48 GMT

Point of order... you cannot file an amended state return if you never filed an original so make very certain what you are filing the correct form.

Re: what is the correct sequence to amend a return if I havent filed my state return yet?

whodiini — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 00:22:13 GMT

BTW, I mailed by 2021 amended federal return, waited a few days, and was able to efile through turbotax a 2021 California amended return. So evidently, CA must be differently treated than other states.