topic How can I fix my tax return if I have a w-2 I forgot to submit before submitting my return? in After you file

How can I fix my tax return if I have a w-2 I forgot to submit before submitting my return?

officialfunnyboy — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:50:06 GMT

I didn’t expect to get another one so I submitted without looking in my spam

Re: How can I fix my tax return if I have a w-2 I forgot to submit before submitting my return?

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:38:59 GMT

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.

Since the IRS will not begin to accept/reject returns until January 26, you are going to be waiting in “pending” for awhile. Your return is sitting on a server, where you cannot fix it or get it back.

You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it. It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox on the corner. 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 Form 1040X you need becomes available in late February, But wait until your return has been processed.

Re: How can I fix my tax return if I have a w-2 I forgot to submit before submitting my return?

SharonD007 — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:52:24 GMT

Since you have already submitted your tax return, wait until you receive an email informing you that it is accepted or rejected as xmasbaby0 indicated. Don't make any changes while your tax return is pending.

If your tax return is rejected, you may sign in to TurboTax and add your W-2 along with fixing the rejection. If your tax return is accepted, once it’s processed, you can file an amendment through TurboTax using Form 1040-X. adding your income. Refer to the TurboTax article What is the IRS 1040-X Form?

For further information review the TurboTax articles: How to Correct Federal Tax Returns and Video: How to Amend Your Tax Return.

If you live in a state that requires you to file an income tax return, don’t forget to prepare an amendment for your state. For instructions to amend your state return, refer to the TurboTax Help article How do I amend my state tax return?

@officialfunnyboy