1040x - How to start with the previous tax return?

[tigersandtuna]

Hello,

I'm trying to amend my 2022 taxes that I already filed (back in March 2023) to claim an EV credit. When I open turbo tax 2022 (desktop version) it lets me start an amended return but the software is asking me to enter all the information again (name, w-2 etc). Is there a way to upload my 2022 tax file (that I filed using the exact same turbo tax software) so I only have to change the one thing (related to form 8936)?

Thanks!

[AmyC]

You want to use your .data file. 

• If you filed online, you can log into your online account and download it. 
• If you filed on a desktop version, select "Find a tax file" to locate your .data file on your computer.

[tigersandtuna]

If I do that and update my tax credit Turbo Tax simply updates the existing return and doesn't generate a 1040x. How do I make TurboTax treat the update as a diff?

[AmyC · Accepted solution]

You have to select to amend your tax return. Save the original first! For online help,  see here.

For the desktop, you should have an amend available but if not:

1. Open your return
2. Other Tax Situations
3. Locate Other Tax Forms
4. Amend A Return -Start or Update

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

First undo the change you made then start the amendment process before making the change again ...

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.

[tigersandtuna]

Thank you Amy!! This solved my issue and I was able to generate a 1040X