How to Amend (Change or Correct) a 2009 Return You Already Filed

Finding your 2009 tax data file and installing TurboTax on your computer

1. The first step you need to take is to locate your .tax file for 2009. Windows | Mac
   • If you filed your taxes using our Federal Free online version of TurboTax, you may not have a copy of this file. For this situation, you will need to recreate your original return manually.
2. Purchase the TurboTax 2009 CD/Download Software.
3. Install your software Windows | Mac
   • Don't forget to also install your state for Windows or Mac if you need to amend your state return.

Did you find it?

1. Yes: Scroll down to Important steps before you amend.
2. No:  Don’t panic, you just need to retrieve a copy of your 2009 tax return in one of the following ways:
   • Get a pdf copy of your 2009 tax return from us
   • Order a printed copy of your 2009 tax return from the IRS for a fee

Once you have a copy of your 2009 return, you will need to re-create it within the TurboTax 2009 software, exactly as when you originally filed it.

Important steps before you amend 

1. Launch your TurboTax software if you don't already have it open.
2. Check for Updates from the Online menu to make sure your software is up to date.
3. Select Open Tax Return from the TurboTax File menu, navigate to your 2009 tax data file, and open it.
   • Your return must be exactly as it was when you originally filed it. If you made any changes since filing, make sure to undo them before proceeding to the next step.
4. Copy your file by selecting Save As from the File menu, entering a new name (for example, JDoeAmended.tax2009), and then clicking Save. This preserves your original .tax data file in case anything goes wrong. 

Now you are ready to begin amending! You can now skip to Amend your Return.

1. To begin, you will need to locate your .tax data file Windows | Mac
2. Launch your TurboTax software if you don't already have it open.
3. Check for Updates from the Online menu to make sure your software is up to date.
4. Select Open Tax Return from the TurboTax File menu, navigate to your 2009 tax data file, and open it.
   • Your return must be exactly as it was when you originally filed it. If you made any changes since filing, make sure to undo them before proceeding to the next step.
5. Copy your file by selecting Save As from the File menu, entering a new name (for example, JDoeAmended.tax2009), and then clicking Save. This preserves your original tax data file in case anything goes wrong

Now you are ready to begin amending!

1. Open the newly saved copy of the re-created return.
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, next to Amend a Return, click Start.
4. On the Let’s Make Sure You’re Ready to Amend Your Return screen, choose I already filed the tax return I want to amend, and it was accepted by the government.
5. Continue to follow the on-screen instructions. When you get to the Tell Us which returns you want to amend, select the appropriate option(s).
6. After that, you can either:
   • Click the Personal Info tab at the top and walk through the entire return; or
   • Go to a specific section in TurboTax to make your changes.

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. Fortunately, all of your federal changes automatically transfer to your state return, including 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 File tab. Follow the instructions to print your returns.
8. Sign and mail your amended returns. 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.
10. Continue to the File tab. Follow the instructions in the File area to print your federal and state amended returns.

Please allow 8–12 weeks for the IRS to process your amended return.

New! 3 weeks after mailing your amended return, you can start tracking its progress at the newly-launched IRS Where's My Amended Return? tracking tool.

Processing times for amended state returns vary from state to state. If it's been more than 12 weeks since you mailed your amended state return, and you haven't heard anything, you might want to contact your state tax agency.