Amending 2024 return

[chungcw3]

I filed MFS last year because of my wife's student loans. 

I'm trying to amend last year's return to change my deduction from standard to itemized since my wife didn't file and I had a bigger itemized deduction but not sure how to correctly fill out section 11.

Would I check "Federal change accepted on" and use the date I check the box for the date for section 11 A? Do I click yes for box C saying I filed a federal form 1040X or Form 1045? I used "changing from standard deduction to itemized" for box D. 

Is the for TurboTax gives me a 1040X or 1045 that I mail in?

This is my first time amending a return and want to make sure I'm doing it right.

[MarilynG1]

When you Amend your 2024 return (make sure you saved a copy of your originally filed return), go through the Deductions section to be sure all your itemized deductions are there (or add them, if not).  At the end of the Deductions section, you should get a message either 'Standard Deduction is right for you' or 'Itemized Deductions are right for you'.  If TurboTax indicates 'Standard', click the link to 'change your deduction' to itemized.

The Form 1040X will have amounts from your original return in Column A, changed amounts in Column B, and Column C will have correct amounts.  In your case, this should be on Line 2. You can view Form 1040X in FORMS in TurboTax Desktop.  I'm not sure what question you are being asked for in 11a, but you have not filed a 1040X yet; originally a 1040.

Your explanation is is correct for reason for amending.  If you have more questions, we'll try to help.

@chungcw3 

[chungcw3]

Here is a screen shot of the error I get from TurboTax.

How do I fille out section A?

Do I check yes for section C?

[RogerD1]

Illinois requires that you must have your Federal amended return approved and finalized prior to filing the amended Illinois return.  Since your return will generate a Federal refund, you will need to wait until that refund is received before filing Illinois amended return.  You can select that you will file Illinois later when you go to file the Federal amended return.

Once you are cleared to file your Illinois amended return, you will check the box for Federal change and enter the date of acceptance.  Box C will be checked yes since you did do a Federal amendment.  You may need to file Illinois by mail since you need to have the Federal finalization - an IRS account transcript of the amendment will serve as the Federal finalization.

See Illinois Amended FAQ for more information

[chungcw3]

I didn't think about amending my IL return. Do I have to amended it if I amend my federal?

I'm still don't know how to complete section 11 of my federal amendment. What do I do for section A?

[RobertB4444]

Section II of the 1040-X is just the explanation for why you are amending your tax return.  The answer is "I wanted to change from standard to itemized deductions".  You have already typed that out and you are all good.

[chungcw3]

Smart Check says that I have 3 area areas that need review and I think it's section A and C of step 11. Would I click the fist box in Section A since it's a federal change? If so, what date would I use? Should I select yes or no for section C?

[DianeW777]

It depends. If you are referring to your Illinois (IL) amended return you can use the information below.

1. Step 11: A - Select the checkbox beside 'Federal change accepted on and enter the date of IRS acceptance; 
2. Step 11: C - Select 'Yes' and attach a copy of the federal amendment
3. Step 11: D - Explain the reason for the amendment (same as federal)

You can check the status of your federal amended return by using the link below:

• Where's my Amended Return?

@chungcw3 

[chungcw3]

What about the federal amendment? Would I just fill out step 11D and leave 11A and 11C blank?

Smart check keeps telling me that they need review. 

[AmyC]

The picture you posted with step 11 A-D is for the IL amended return. 

• Box A has choices for the federal government changed your return or accepted an NOL you submitted, the last choice is you  - want to change your state. Choose state change.
• For 11C select that you will file federal 1040x and attach it. The program will do that for you.
• B & D look great, well done

These instructions are from IL amended instructions, page 6.

For the federal amended, there are no odd boxes like that. See federal amend instructions here.

Reference: About Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax

[chungcw3]

Thanks for letting me know that my question  was for the state return.

Does my wife need to sign the 1040-X if I'm amending a MFS return?

[JohnB5677]

No, if you originally filed a Married Filing Separately (MFS) return, and the amended return is filed with the same status, your wife does not need to sign the 1040-X. 

In addition:

• The signature block on the 1040X states "Spouse's signature: If a joint return , Both must sign,"
• This is clearly not a joint return.

@chungcw3