I just e-filed my taxes and noticed I made a mistake

[juli0c]

I went ahead and finished my taxes and e-filed a couple of days ago.

Today I noticed that I made a mistake.

I understand that I need now to file 1040x.

Is this something that TurboTax will do? or do I have to submit the form along with the extra money I shouldn't be receiving?

I can send a check now with the difference.

What are your suggestions?

[xmasbaby0]

WAIT for the IRS to fully process your original tax return.  Then you can amend.  Sending in an amended return while they are still working on your first return can just cause confusion and delays.  

[juli0c]

Yes, I will wait.

I guess my question was whether I can use TurboTax (desktop Premier) to file an amendment after the first submission is processed.

I don't see a way of doing so, I may have to do it separately.

[xmasbaby0]

Wait.....but yes, you can use your desktop software to amend when you are ready.   You will go to Other Tax Situations---it is one of the choices on the top of your tool bar at the top of the TT screen when you have the program open----then scroll down that page to Amend a Tax return.

Do not amend until the original has been fully processed.  Amending too soon can cause confusion and longer delays.

[LindaS5247]

Here is how you will amend you tax return using TurboTax Online:

1. Sign in to TurboTax.
2. On the Tax Home screen, scroll down to Your tax returns & documents and select the year you want to amend.
3. Select Amend (change) return, then Amend using TurboTax Online.
   • If you're told to amend your return via TurboTax Desktop, follow the steps for TurboTax Desktop below instead.
4. On the screen OK, let's get a kickstart on your amended return, select the reason(s) you're amending and Continue.
5. When you reach Here's the info for your amended federal return, select Start next to the info you need to change.
6. Continue through the screens, make the changes you need to make, and carefully answer the remaining questions to finish amending your return.

Here is how you will amend your tax return using TurboTax Desktop:

1. Open the TurboTax Desktop software for the year you're amending
   • For example, you must amend your 2023 return in the 2023 version of TurboTax.
2. Under Need to Amend a Filed Return?, select Amend a Filed Return.
   • 2021 and earlier versions of TurboTax may say Amend a return (make changes) after it was filed and accepted by the IRS instead.
3. Select Amend for the return you need to amend.
   • If the return you need to amend doesn’t appear as an option, select Find a Tax File to find and load the return.
4. On the We’ll help you change (amend) your return screen, select Continue.
5. Select Yes, I’ve already filed my return.
6. Choose the option that best applies when asked Tell us a little more about your amend situation and Continue.
7. On the next screen, select Update next to the info you need to change.
8. Continue through the screens, make the changes you need to make, and carefully answer the remaining questions to finish amending your return.
9. Don’t forget to select Save As (or Duplicate on Mac) from the File menu when you save a copy of your amended return. This will preserve the tax return you originally filed.
   • Give the file a different name from the original, like 2023_amended_tax_return_Smith

If you want to track the status of your amended return, use the IRS Where's My Amended Return? tracking tool. Allow at least 16 weeks for the IRS to process your amended return.

Click here for How to File an Amended Tax Return.

Click here for Can I E-File my Amended Tax Return.

Click here for How to Amend Your State tax Return.

[Lewap]

Thank you for the information - very helpful. I have a follow-up question, though: how can one tell when the IRS has fully processed my original tax return?

A few minutes after filing my return with TurboTax, I have received an e-mail saying that my "federal tax return was accepted by the IRS" (I did not file any state tax returns). Is my understanding correct, that this does NOT yet mean, that the return has been processed?

Thank you in advance for your help!

[AnnetteB6]

That is correct.  'Accepted' is the first step, but that does not mean that the return has been processed by the IRS.

If you are expecting a refund, you can be assured that the return has been fully processed when you receive your refund.  If you owe a balance due, presumably the return would not be fully processed until that payment has been received and entered into the system.

Take a look at the following TurboTax article to learn more:

What does Accepted mean?

@Lewap