topic How do I delete a tax return from pending? in After you file

How do I delete a tax return from pending?

ohvanna93 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:33:30 GMT

I used my last years tax sheet to file

Re: How do I delete a tax return from pending?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:08:07 GMT

Sorry---you cannot get it back from pending. It is just like when you put an envelope in a U.S. mailbox on the corner. You cannot get it back.

Did you click that big orange button that said “Transmit my return now?” If you did that, you cannot do anything to fix it yet. You have to wait for the email that tells you if your return was accepted or rejected.

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it. The IRS does not allow you to take it back.

If you left out a W-2, a 1099G, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is “pending.” The changes will go nowhere.

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return. If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return.

If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund. THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and e-file or mail it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-filed originally. You will need to use a form called a 1040X.

Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself. Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

The IRS will begin to accept/reject e-files on January 29.

Re: How do I delete a tax return from pending?

VolvoGirl — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:12:00 GMT

Sorry if you already submitted it and it is pending you can not get it back. That’s why we say not to rush and file. Incase you made a mistake or get another W2 or 1099 form in the mail. The IRS won’t start taking returns until Jan 27 or 29 so you have to wait. Hope that the IRS rejects it for something then you can fix it and resend it. Otherwise if the IRS Accepts it you will need to file an amended retun after the IRS is done processing it and sends you the first refund.

Re: How do I delete a tax return from pending?

mpavel47 — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:25:02 GMT

I realized I made a mistake, and made some changes in my tax return after submitting, the Federal one was already accepted, but state is pending. When I go through TurboTax to made the amendment, will it reset everything back to how I originally filed my tax return, and zero everything out?

Re: How do I delete a tax return from pending?

MarilynG1 — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:41:16 GMT

Yes, when you Amend, it will use the info from your original filing. Make sure you Save a copy of your original filed return.

Here's detailed info on How to Amend a Tax Return.

@mpavel47

Re: How do I delete a tax return from pending?

VolvoGirl — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:49:01 GMT

NO. If you made changes after submitting you will have to first take out your changes and put your return back to the way it was when you originally filed it. Then you can amend. The Amended return won't be ready until later in February. And you need to wait to amend until the first return is done processing and you get the first refund or pay any tax due in case the IRS adjusts your return. They may catch some mistakes for you.