How to Amend (Change or Correct) a 2010 Return You Already Filed

Finding your 2010 tax data file and installing TurboTax on your computer

1. The first step you need to take is to locate your .tax file for 2010. 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 2010 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?

• Yes: Scroll down to Important Steps Before You Amend.
• No:  Don’t panic, you just need to retrieve a copy of your 2010 tax return in one of the following ways:
  • Get a pdf copy of your 2010 tax return from us
  • Order a printed copy of your 2010 tax return from the IRS for a fee

Once you have a copy of your 2010 return, you will need to re-create it within the TurboTax 2010 software, exactly as when you originally filed it.

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 2010 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.tax2010), and then clicking Save. This preserves your original .tax data file in case anything goes wrong.

Great! Now you're ready to amend. Jump down to the Amend Your Return section. 

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 2010 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.tax2010), and then clicking Save. This preserves your original tax data file in case anything goes wrong

Now you are ready to begin amending!

1. Select the Federal Taxes tab (Personal tab in Home & Business), and then select Other Tax Situations directly below the tabs.
2. On the Other Tax Situations screen, next to Amend a Return, click Start.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to amend your 2010 return.
4. When you get to the Tell Us Why You Need to Amend Your Return screen, select the option that applies to your particular situation.

Continue to follow the on-screen instructions and don't worry if your refund meter isn't acting as you would expect. This is normal. Your calculations will come out correctly in the end. Once you've finished the amendment process, the refund meter will display the correct amount for your refund or what you owe.

When you are finished amending, TurboTax will provide you with complete instructions for printing and mailing your amended return. Amended returns cannot be e-filed.

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.