Amend a 2009 Return

You can amend a tax return you've already filed to fix an error or to take an additional credit or deduction. 

IMPORTANT: Amended returns must be mailed to the IRS, not e-filed.

• The IRS processes an amended return in eight to 12 weeks upon receipt. State timelines vary.
• There is no charge for amending a return you filed with TurboTax.

If you filed your 2009 return using TurboTax CD or download product, OR you have copied your online return into a download version, please see below: Getting started.

Note: Before you amend a return, it must be exactly as it was when it was filed. Please undo any changes you have made since filing.

Highly Recommended: Please watch this helpful video for step-by-step guidance.

 

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First save a copy of your original 2009 tax return

1. Open the 2009 tax return that you plan to amend.
2. Under the File menu, select Save As and name your original return. It could be something like JSmithReturn.tax2009. 
3. Then create another version that will be your amended return. Again select the File menu and Save As. 
4. In the Save Tax Return window, enter a different name, such as JSmithReturnAmend.tax.2009, then click Save. You'll use this version to amend your return.

Follow these steps to begin to amend

1. Go to the top of your screen and under Online, select Check for Updates.
2. Select the Federal Taxes tab (Personal tab in Home & Business), and then select Other Tax Situations directly below the tabs.
3. On the Other Tax Situations screen, under Other Tax Forms, next to Amend a Return, click Start.

1. On the screen that says “Let’s Make Sure You’re Ready to Amend your return”, choose I already filed the tax return I want to amend, and it was accepted by the government.
2. When asked “Are you here to amend your 2009 return?”, choose Yes, I need to amend the 2009 return I already filed.
3. You'll be asked, "Have you made changes to the returns you filed?” Choose No, I haven’t touched my 2009 return.
4. Next, on the “Tell Us About Your 2009 Tax Returns” screen, select the appropriate option – either e-filed or mailed. Some follow-up questions will display below that. Don’t forget to answer those.
5. On “Tell Us Why You Need to Amend Your Return”, choose I need to change or add something to the return I already filed.
6. On “Last Chance to Save your Original Returns” choose Save Returns if you haven't done so already. It's important that you do this because you might need to refer to it later. Once you've made a copy, then select Continue.
7. On “Tell Us which returns you want to amend”, choose which return or returns you want to amend.
8. Next, if prompted, on the “Tell Us About Your Original Federal Refund” screen, select the appropriate option.

At this point you can choose to:

1. Select the Personal Info tab at the top and walk through the entire return or
2. Choose another tab, such as Deductions and Credits, if you know where to go in your return to make your changes.

Below are examples of the most common reasons why customers need to amend their return.

You received another W-2 showing additional income.

1. Select the Federal Taxes tab.
2. Go to the Wages & Income tab, under the Wages and Salaries section.
3. Select Update or Start to revisit the W-2 section.

You forgot to claim a dependent.

1. Under the Personal Info tab, select Continue.
2. On the Let’s Review Your Personal Info screen, under the About Your Dependents section, select Edit to add another dependent.
3. We recommend you use the Guide Me button on the next screen so you can ensure that your dependent qualifies.

You received a form such as a 1098-E (Student Loan Interest Statement) or a 1098-T(Tuition Payments Statement) and want to claim a deduction.

1. Under the Federal Taxes tab, go to the Deductions & Credits tab.
2. Select the Explore on My Own link, and under the Education section, select Visit All.

Once you've made your changes, you need to return to the amendment section in TurboTax.

It might seem as if you've done this step already. But actually you're finishing the amendment process that you've started. Please follow these steps:

1. Select the Federal Taxes tab at the top of the screen (Personal tab in Home & Business), and then select Other Tax Situations directly below the tabs.
2. In the Other Tax Forms section, select Amend a Return.
3. Check the box next to “I’ve made my changes and need to finish amending my federal return” and then select Continue.
4. Go through the rest of the amend section and answer the questions. You’ll be asked to give an explanation of why you’re amending you return.
5. Check for errors: Select the Federal tab, the Error Review subtab to find and correct any errors in your federal return.
6. If your state does not tax income, then print and sign your return. Instructions telling you where to mail your return will also be printed.

Most people who amend their federal return also need to amend their state return.

All of your federal changes automatically transfer to your state return, such as additional income or deductions, so there’s no need to make those changes again.

Keep in mind that each state has its own tax-return forms, so the instructions below might vary slightly:

1. Select the State Taxes tab and continue through the state Interview.
2. If needed, make any state-only changes: These could include state-only credits and deductions.
3. Find the amend screen in your state return: Toward the end of your state return, you'll come to a screen that asks if you want to amend. On some state returns, you’ll see a checkbox that reads, Change (amend) a previously filed return. In most cases we’ve checked this box for you. On some other state returns you’ll be asked a yes/no question, such as, Do you want to change (amend) a previously filed return? Answer Yes.
4. Answer questions about amend: Continue through your state return and answer any other questions about your amended return (some states don't have any amend-related questions).
5. Review and complete the state amended form: On most state returns, you’ll come to a screen with the actual amended tax form. All of the info should already be transferred from your federal return. Fill in any additional information, paying close attention to questions and lines on the form that relate directly to amending your state return, such as the reasons for amending. If you're simply adding a W-2 or a dependent, you're covered. If you’re not sure what info you need to fill out, we’ll check for errors.
6. Check for state errors: Continue until you come to the State Review and check for errors. We'll walk you through fixing any errors found by TurboTax.
7. Continue to the Print & File tab. Follow the instructions to print your returns.
8. Sign and mail your amended returns: Sign your returns, then mail them. You cannot e-file an amended return. The correct mailing addresses are in the filing instructions that print out with your returns.
9. Be sure to save a copy of your amended tax information. You'll transfer your amended information to next year's version of TurboTax.

Continue to the Print & File tab. Follow the instructions in the Print & File area to print your federal and state amended returns.

Note: You will need to print and mail your amended returns because amended returns cannot be e-filed. When your amended returns print, your instructions detailing where to mail the returns will automatically print as well.

If you started amending your federal return and discover that you don't need to amend, click here for instructions to delete Form 1040X.

What if I'm asked to pay to amend my state return?

There is no charge to amend a return, if you prepared your original return with TurboTax. If you are asked to pay for a state return, it’s probably because you didn't purchase that particular state return when preparing your original return. To eliminate the charge, you can remove the state from your return. Otherwise, we will add a state to your return and you will be asked to pay for your state amended return.

To remove a state return:

On the Your State Return Status screen, in the Action column, click the Delete link

 On the screen that follows, click Yes to confirm the deletion.

 For more information on removing a state amendment form, Click here for instructions.