Questions about amending returns

[_confused_]

hi,

I have a few question about filing an amendment, and I'd appreciate if someone is willing to answer my questions.

1. I understand 1040X is the amendment form, but 1040X gets updated from time to time. For example, the latest1040X is slightly different from  the 2017 version. When amending with old TT,  it seems the TT  uses the old version from the year that the TT software is associated to.

Am I supposed to use the latest version when amending an old return or is it OK to use the old version from the year the amendment is applied to ?

2.  what should be included in the amended return ?   The instruction says I should mail the amended return with supporting documents.  Is 1099B considered a supporting document if I'm amending 1099B incomes ?

3.  Do I need to sign on the forms other than 1040X ?  For example, 1040 mailed with 1040X ?

Any helps are appreciated.

[rcinco1]

When doing an amended return, it is always best to use the Turbo Tax software for the same tax year you want to amend. For example, if you are amending a 2017 return, you need to use Turbo Tax 2017 software for best results. 

[KathrynG3]

To answer each of your questions:

1. In general, amending 2017 requires using 2017 forms. TurboTax will use the correct Form 1040-X for 2017. The main purpose of Form 1040-X is to report what was originally filed, report the change, and report the changed amounts. See: How do I amend my 2017 TurboTax return?

2. If Form 1099-B is necessary, yes, include it because it is the reason for the amended return. See Instructions for Form 1040-X page 22, first column: Assemble any schedules and forms behind Form 1040-X in the order of the “Attachment Sequence No.” shown in the upper-right corner of the schedule or form. If you have supporting statements, arrange them in the same order as the schedules or forms they support and attach them last.

3. No. Form 1040-X instructions say only to sign Form 1040-X. It also states to not include the originally filed Form 1040. There would be no other forms requiring signature.

@_confused_

[_confused_]

Hello, Kathryn.

Thank you for your reply.

As for #1, does it hurt if I use the latest version of 1040X ?

I went through the amendment process on TT and TT produced all the forms with the old version (2017 version) of 1040X. I'm concerned about that IRS rejects my amendment because 1040X is an old version.

What if I download the latest 1040X form from IRS website, manually fill the boxes to match the old 1040X TT produced, and send it with other forms ?

[_confused_]

Hi, Kathryn

You mentioned that 1040 shouldn't be included, but as the result of the amendment, the numbers in 1040 must have been changed. Even if that's the case, should I not include 1040, and just include 1040X ?

Sorry for asking many questions.

This is the first time I file an amendment, and I'm not very familiar with the process.

I'd appreciate your helps.

Thanks.

[DianeW777]

First, you can choose to download the latest version of Form 1040X if you choose. TurboTax will release the most current version later this month which is a normal process.  By using TurboTax the amended return can be e-filed once it's available.  It is the fastest and most efficient method. The IRS does not want you to amend until your tax return has been fully processed.

The most recent version of Form 1040X should be used. As you can see when you click the link the tax year can be selected for 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 tax years.

The Form 1040 is never required to be filed with the Form 1040X, less is best if you will.  However, you must mail any tax document that has federal withholding.  You are not required to file Form 1099-B, however you will want to make sure your Form 8949 or similar document is available for review if that is what is being changed on the amendment.  Sign Form 1040X before mailing if you choose that method.

Any form that does have changes due to the reason for the amendment should be filed with the Form 1040X.  For example, if you are changing the Schedule D, then a new revised Schedule D must be present with the amendment.

[fanfare]

please look at the top of form 1040-X where it tells you which years are ok to file with that form.

For 2020, you have write in "2020" on the 2019 Form 1040-X.