Filed taxes and owe, but haven't paid yet, amended now says refund

[smugdoug1]

I filed my taxes electronically, then realized I forgot to include an estimated tax payment. I have not yet paid, but when using the amended return in turbotax, it's now telling me I will get a refund. I think it's using what I am supposed to pay. Can I not just file an amended return that will change the amount I actually owe, rather than submitting my payment first THEN getting a refund?

[smugdoug1]

I should clarify, I have not yet paid the amount due on my original return. I DID pay that estimated payment from 2024 I forgot to include on my originally filed return.

[KeshaH · Accepted solution]

You can submit your amended return without making your payment first. You'll want to make sure you update the amended return to show that you haven't made the payment so that you can have an accurate idea of what your net refund or balance due would be. 

If the additional payment that you reported was more than the original balance you owed, you should have a net refund. If your additional payment was less than the original balance owed, you'll just need to pay the difference.

[smugdoug1]

Thank you. It’s quite confusing when, after filling out the amended return, it shows the change now results in a refund. How to I show on the amended return that I have not yet made the payment? Do I override what’s been filled in? Also, I can’t tell, after completing the amended return, if I still need to file estimated tax payment. And what happens if my new job, in 2025, makes considerably less? Is there a way toI figure my estimated tax payment schedule based on my projected 2025 income?

Thank you SO much for your help!

[BrittanyS]

When you file your amended return the counter should set to zero. (See screenshot)

 Make sure you do not start the amended return until your return has fully processed with the IRS.  If you had a payment due, due not send the payment as your amount will be adjusted as you go through the return.  You do not need to enter any payments unless you made the payment for the 2024 return.  

TurboTax can help you calculate your 2025 Estimated Taxes.  To have TurboTax help calculate your estimated tax payments follow these steps:

1. Click Other Tax Situations
2. Click Form W-4 and estimated taxes
3. Answer Interview questions

Per the IRS guidelines, you should make one of the following selections for Estimated Tax Payments:

• 100% or 110% of your actual 2024 taxes
• 90% to 100% of your estimated 2025 taxes
• Or 66 2/3% of your estimated 2025 taxes if you're a qualified farmer or fisher

If you know your income is going to be less for 2025, you can enter the income and withholdings based on the lesser income values.

• How to File an Amended Return
• Estimated Tax Payments

@smugdoug1