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How do I amend my 2022 tax return to correct the federal child care expense credit?

SOLVEDby TurboTax30Updated June 23, 2023

Some TurboTax customers received an overstated child and dependent care expense credit, which means they underpaid their federal taxes.

To amend your return, select your product and follow the instructions below.

  1. Write down the original refund or balance due amount(s) for your Federal and State, if applicable, income tax returns. We recommend you check the paper/PDF copy of your return(s), or your banking records to verify the correct amount.
  2. Log in to the TurboTax account where you prepared your 2022 return. 
  3. In Tax Home, scroll down to Your tax returns & documents, and choose 2022. If you have not already done so, we recommend that you print a copy of your original 2022 tax return for your records by selecting Download/print return (PDF). 
  4. Select Amend (change) return and then select Amend Using TurboTax Online.

Note: Check your refund/balance due on your return:

  • If the state amount is the same as you wrote down in step 1, you will only need to amend your federal tax return. No state amendment is needed. 
  • If the state amount is different, you will need to amend your federal and state tax returns. 
  1. On the OK, let’s get a kickstart on your 2022 amended return screen, choose TurboTax sent me an email, then Continue.
  2. On the What did we contact you about? screen, choose Something else then Continue.
  3. On the Tell us which 2022 return(s) you want to amend screen, choose
    1. I want to amend both my Federal and state returns, if applicable. OR
    2. I want to amend only my federal or only my state return, then check Amend my federal return.
  4. Then Continue. Your federal refund/balance due tracker will usually reset to $0. This is normal.
  5. On the Here’s the info for your amended federal return screen, select Done.
  6. On the Tell us why you’re amending your return screen, enter TO CORRECT THE CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT. Then Continue.
  7. On the Let’s confirm your mailing address screen, confirm your mailing address. Then Continue.
  8. On the Do you want to designate $3 to a presidential campaign fund? screen, select your answer and then Continue.
  9. On the Do any of these less common situations apply to you? Screen, select None of these apply to me, then Continue.
  10. On the Accuracy’s everything. Time for a quick review. screen, select Check my info.
  11. On the Let’s get your return ready to file screen, select Check my return.
  12. On the Just about ready to file. But first… screen, select Continue.
  13. On the Let’s take care of these details now screen, select Review and fix any errors.
  14. On the We still have a couple details to button up screen, select Continue.
  15. On the Here are the numbers for your amended return screen, your Federal and, if applicable, state balance due will be displayed. Select Continue.
  16. On the Just one more step and we’ll file your return screen, select Start by Step 3 then continue through the screens to efile your Federal and State, if applicable, amended return.
  17. If you cannot efile the returns, you need to sign, date and mail the amended returns. The mailing address and balance due are included on the File by Mail Instructions for your 2022 Federal Amended Tax Return and 2022 State Amended Tax Return, if applicable. 

Note: Be sure to Print and Save the amended return for your records.

  1. Write down the original refund or balance due amount(s) for your Federal and State, if applicable, income taxes. We recommend you check the paper/PDF copy of your return(s), or your banking records to verify the correct amount.
  2. Launch TurboTax and open your 2022 return.
  3. Before you make any changes, select File and Save As... then add Amended 2022 return to the file name to preserve your original return.
  4. Select Online and Check for Updates. Allow the program to update if any are available.

Note: Check your refund/balance due on your return:

  • If the state amount is the same as you wrote down in step 1, you will only need to amend your federal tax return. No state amendment is needed. 
  • If the state amount is different, you will need to amend your federal and state tax returns. 
  1. Select the Federal Taxes tab, (Personal tab if you’re using Home & Business), and then select Other Tax Situations. You may be asked to answer a few preliminary questions before you see a list of categories. Scroll down to Other Tax Forms select Start next to Amend a Return.  
  2. On the We’ll help you change (amend) your return screen, select Continue.
  3. On the Did you already file your return? screen, select Yes, I’ve already filed my return. Then select I was contacted by TurboTax and told I may need to amend for some other reason. Then select Continue.

Note: The refund meters will reset to -0-. This is normal.

  1. On the What do you need to change on your return? screen, scroll down to the bottom and select Done.
  2. On the Do you still receive your mail at this address? Screen, verify your mailing address then select Continue.
  3. On the Do you want to designate $3 to a presidential campaign fund? screen, select your answer and then Continue.
  4. On the Special Situation on Your Amended Return screen, select Continue.
  5. On the Why did you need to amend your return? screen, enter TO CORRECT CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT. Then Continue.
  6. On the Let’s make sure your taxes are correct screen, select Continue. 
  7. On the Let’s Check These Entries screen, select Check Entries. Answer any questions and then select Continue.
  8. On the Run Smart Check Again screen, answer any additional questions then select Done.
  9. On the Your Amended Return Summary screen, review the changes and select Continue.
  10. On the You’re Done! Print and Mail Your Returns screen, follow the instructions to print and save the amended returns. To electronically file the amended return, follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen and click on the File tab to continue.
  11. On the Let’s get ready to file your taxes screen, select Continue.
  12. On the E-file Your Federal Return for FREE screen, follow the instructions to efile your amended Federal, and if applicable, state return.
  13. If you cannot efile the returns, you need to sign, date and mail the amended return(s). The mailing address and balance due are included on the File by Mail Instructions for your 2022 Federal Amended Tax Return and 2022 State Amended Tax Return, if applicable.

Note: Be sure to Print and Save the Federal and State amended returns for your records.

TurboTax experts are available to answer your questions at 844-333-2161 (Monday–Friday, 5 AM to 5 PM PT). When you speak with an expert, just mention Child and Dependent Care Credit so they know exactly what you’re calling about.

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