How to amend filed 2023 state return for non taxed interest?

[sonzoil]

I forgot to take a deduction on my e-filed 2023 Massachusetts state tax return for interest on US obligations (which are not taxed by Massachusetts).  I do not want to amend my e-filed federal return.  This exclusion amount is in the neighborhood of $1000 in interest, that Massachusetts should not be taxing me on.  Can someone provide step by step instructions on TurboTax desk top version 2023?

[AmyC]

Yes. The program will automatically remove US Obligations from state tax when entered as such in the program. Be sure to double check your MA return to verify that you need to amend.

If you are certain you need to amend, see I need to amend my state return and select the desktop option. You will need to print and mail the amended form.

[LindaS5247]

To amend your 2023 state tax return, you will do as follows:

1. Open your TurboTax Desktop for the year you're amending (2023). For example, you must amend your 2023 return in the 2023 version of TurboTax.
2. Where it says: "Need to Amend a Filed Return?", select "Amend a Filed Return".
3. Select "Amend" for the tax return you want to amend. Note: If the return you need isn't listed as an option, you will select "Find a Tax File" to find and load your tax return.
4. On the screen "Do you need to change anything else"  you will select "Update" next to the info you need to change.
5. Continue through your TurboTax screens, and make the changes you need to make, and be sure to answer the remaining questions to finish amending your return.
6. You should select "Save As" from the File menu when you save a copy of your amended return. This will save the tax return you originally filed. Make sure to give the file a different name from your original, tax return.

Click here for "Video: How to Amend Your Tax Return"

Click here for "How do I amend my federal tax return for a prior year?"

[sonzoil]

Thanks for the response.  I hit the amend key, and the software is making me do a complete new return for the state.  Is this correct? If not, how do I back out and try again?

[sonzoil]

So, I figured out how to amend the returns.  It was an amount on the federal return that I had forgotten to enter.  When I went through the steps, I now have a federal return window showing I owe zero, and zero refund.  On the Massachusetts return, I am now getting a small refund, instead of owing money.  Does this sound correct?  Lastly do I have to file and send an amended Federal return, even though no amounts changed? The system says I can e-file my amended Massachusetts return.  I thought the state of Mass requires amended returns filed on paper only and NO e-file????

[BillM223]

Does it sound correct? I don't know, not knowing what else is on your return, but as my Boy Scout friends used to say, "It's better than a sharp stick on the eye."

Up until recently, the fed and states required amended returns to be printed and mailed. In the last very few years, this has been changing. If the system says you can e-file your amended return, then let it do so.

Yes, if you can e-file your amended federal return, do so. It will give the IRS your latest numbers, which may become important in some unknown way in the future.

Most states require that you attach your amended federal return when you amend your state. TurboTax will attach pages 1 and 2 of your 1040 to cover this.

[sonzoil]

It looks like TurboTax will not allow me to e-file either my amended federal or mass state returns.  So, it looks like I have to mail both.  The last pages in the software were a little confusing when printing and filing.  I am to assume that if anything did file electronically, the system would generate an email to me saying so, correct?

[AmyC]

If the system managed to file the federal amend for you, you would have an email and a  status for the return. Since the federal has no change in tax liability, you do not need to file it. The state would be a refund since you paid tax on US obligations originally.

 You did all of this quickly! Great job!

[sonzoil]

Amy, still a little confused.  The software said to print and mail the federal amended return.  Since my tax owed did not change, you are saying I don't have to mail it in?  Of course, I have to mail in the Mass return, which has an amended federal return attached to it.  I just wanted to be absolutely sure.  Thanks.

[MaryK4]

Since there were no changes on the federal return, you do NOT have to mail it in.  @sonzoil