Make changes after Efile.

Forum|Forum|4 months ago
January 23, 2026
1 reply
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I just barely submitted my tax return and claimed my children as dependents and realized it wasn't my year. If it's pending through turbo tax can they reopen it and I can edit it? Or do I need to wait for it to be accepted and file an amendment?

DoninGA

Level 15

Once a tax return has been filed it cannot be changed, canceled or retrieved

You will have to wait for the IRS to either Accept or Reject your filed federal tax return.
If the return is rejected you can make the necessary changes and e-file again.
If the return is accepted you will have to amend your original tax return. An amended return, Form 1040-X, can only be printed and mailed to the IRS if the original tax return was not e-filed. The IRS will take up to 20 weeks or longer to process an amended tax return.

Before starting to amend the tax return, wait for the tax refund to be received or the taxes due to be paid and processed by the IRS.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for amending a current year tax return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-federal-tax-return-current-year/L7eS6o1qh_US_en_US?uid=lfunevhk

xmasbaby0

Level 15

And....if your return is accepted and you incorrectly claimed the children --- alert the other parent asap because when they try to e-file, their return claiming the children is going to be rejected and cause issues for them.

They will either need to file by mail or maybe get IP PIN's from the IRS for the kids in order to be able to e-file now.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

xmasbaby0

Level 15

MY RETURN IS IN PENDING—what does that mean?

You will not get any information from the IRS refund site while your return is in pending. The IRS does not have your return yet.

Did you e-file? Did you click that big orange button that said “Transmit my returns now?” If so, your return is now in “pending” on a server. Do not try to change anything while your return is in pending.On January 26 the IRS will begin to accept/reject e-files. The IRS accepts a FEW returns in test batches ahead of January 26—-but that is very random. Watch your emails—including your spam folder—for the notice about whether your e-file has been accepted or rejected. If your return is rejected you will be able to make corrections before re-filing. If the return you e-filed is accepted you will have to wait until it has been fully processed and then amend it to fix any mistakes or omissions. It has been taking the IRS four to six months—sometimes longer—to process amended returns. If you e-filed your state return there will be another email later that tells you if the state was accepted or rejected.

WARNING: Do not try to change anything on your return while it is pending.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-announces-first-day-of-2026-filing-season-online-tools-and-