Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Returning Member
posted Dec 16, 2023 12:38:32 PM

Why can't I e-file 2021 amended return? It only provides printed pdf but the instructions are for electronic filing.

The last step only offered a printed version pdf. However, the pdf says "Electronic Filing Instructions" instead of "File by Mail Instructions" and do not provide instructions on how to mail, what forms to mail, and what address to mail, etc. This is super confusing.

0 8 902
8 Replies
Level 15
Dec 16, 2023 12:43:48 PM

A 2021 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed using TurboTax.

 

In the File section of the program you need to use File by Mail, not E-file.

Returning Member
Dec 16, 2023 1:02:24 PM

Thank you. I am using TurboTax online. There is no option for me to choose e-file or file by mail. In the last step, it says I cannot e-file and generates a PDF for me. However, the PDF contents appear as if the amended returns were already electronically filed.

 

Are the printed version of electronically filing and filing by mail the same? I could look up the IRS mailing address myself if the prepared amended return is no different. Thank you.

Level 15
Dec 16, 2023 1:06:23 PM

@jz862 

 

The current online program is for the 2023 tax year ONLY and you could not have possibly filed that return yet ... efiling will not open until mid to late January and none of the forms are ready to be efiled (OR mailed in) yet.  So if you cannot have filed the original return you certainly could not possibly amend the unfiled/unprocessed original return.  

Returning Member
Dec 16, 2023 1:09:28 PM

I want to amend 2021 tax return, not 2023. Do you mean I need to wait until Mid Jan 2024 to amend my 2021 return? Thanks

Level 15
Dec 16, 2023 1:10:03 PM

Go to this IRS website for the mailing address, by state, for a Form 1040-X - https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

When mailing the amended tax return include the Form 1040-X, signed and dated.  Do not include the Form 1040 but only other forms and/or schedules that were changed by amending.

 

Additionally, how can you be using the TurboTax online editions to amend a 2021 tax return.  The information for amending a 2021 tax return on the TurboTax account website requires you to download the 2021 tax data file and then purchase one of the 2021 desktop editions to amend the 2021 return.

 

 

Returning Member
Dec 16, 2023 1:13:39 PM

I have this button "Amend using TurboTax Online"

Level 15
Dec 16, 2023 1:16:37 PM

To access your prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

 

Start the 2023 online tax return by entering some personal information then click on Tax Home on the left side of the screen.

 

On the Tax Home webpage -

Scroll down to the section Your tax returns & documents.  Click on the Year and Click on Amend (change) 2021 return

 

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

 

See this TurboTax support FAQ for amending a tax return - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-change-correct-return-a...

Level 15
Dec 16, 2023 1:26:24 PM

I think the cover instruction sheet might still be for the original return.  

IRS Where to mail an amended return,  see instructions page 10

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040x.pdf