Tax Year Prior to 2020: Amending multiple yr tax returns

[Bun-chan]

Amending multiple year returns: We filed 2015 returns and received refunds, but want to amend 2015, 2014 and 2013 returns for more refunds. What is the best way to go about it?  Amended 2013 will affect 2014 return, which affects 2015 return.  So, I am thinking of doing the following: 1) Amend 2013 to get the correct refund amount, which I used for amending 2014; 2) Do the same to amend 2014; 3) Do the same to amend 2015.

If this approach is correct, can I send them at the same time?  Or does 2013 have to be there first, then 2014 and 2015?  I understand that they have to be in separate envelopes.  What should I do for state returns?

[babette-closetom]

When amending multiple years, do you use the amended state refund amount on the subsequent years 1040's or wait to report the additional refunds (after the refunds are accepted and refunds have been received) on next years taxes?

[KarenL2]

You will report the total refund received in the year that it is received.  So, if you amend a prior year in 2016, and receive a refund for that prior year in 2016, that will be reported on your 2016 return.

[KarenL2]

Yes, your approach is good.  You should keep them in separate envelopes, as you know.  That said, a suggestion would be to keep them in those separate envelopes but send them together in one larger envelope.  The same for the state. 

Since each one affects the subsequent year, if you mail them completely separately (without waiting until the prior one is processed) they may question the tax reporting on those amended returns.

Also, I would suggest attaching a statement to each return explaining the situation to reduce or eliminate IRS correspondence. 

Amending is done on Form 1040X. It can take the IRS up to 12 weeks or longer to process them.   If you are due a larger refund than on your original return, your amended return should only show the difference and you will receive a separate check for it.  If you owe money on your amended return, it will show only the new amount owed, you will have to mail a check with the return.

How to Amend?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3288565

[Bun-chan]

Thank you very much Karen.  Your answer is very helpful!  One more question: You "suggest sending a statement to each return explaining the situation."  Do you mean enclosing a separate note in each envelope?  Or, is there any place in 1040X where I can add a statement?

[KarenL2]

Yes.  I'm sorry I wasn't clearer.  I amended my wording slightly to say to "attaching a statement to each tax return".  When you do the amendment, you will need to type the reason for the amendment into the software.  I'm not sure how closely those are looked at, however.  I suggest typing a general note that explains the situation and which years are being amended.  Then,  placing that same note in each envelope so they know that you will be amending multiple years if they start to process a later year first.

[Bun-chan]

No, no problem.  I just needed a clarification.  I guess TurboTax will guide me through.  Thanks again for your help!

[KarenL2]

My pleasure!

[Taxpayer38]

Hello:  I amended 2019 and 2020 and put them in one outside envelope with each return in a seperate envelope inside and a big note on each that 2019 should be done and then 2020 because the two years should have been done in order.  

On where's my amended return, it shows that 2020 has arrived, but not 2019.  It gives a number to call [phone number removed], but that just repeats the web information that 2020 has arrived.

Is there a number to call to ask about 2019?  Both are in the envelope, so both should have arrived.