- How to Amend a 2008 Federal and State Tax Return
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How to Amend a 2008 Federal and State Tax Return
Updated: 10/23/2009
Article ID: 7366
Note: If you’ve started amending your return, you might have performed step 1 already. Skip to step 2.
- Go through the amended Interview: You’ll indicate which returns you want to amend and save a copy of the return you filed.
- Select the Federal Taxes tab (Personal tab in Home & Business), and then select Other Tax Situations directly below the tabs.
- On the Other Tax Situations screen, under Other Tax Forms, next to Amend a Return, click Start.
- At the end of the amend section, you’ll either print special instructions to follow or follow the instructions below, depending on your preference.
- Make a copy of your return (Windows and Mac only)
- For Windows, on the File menu in TurboTax, select Open Tax Return
- A window should automatically open for the TurboTax folder on your computer. Select the tax return you've already filed (e.g., 2008 Doe J Tax Return.tax2008) and click Open.
- If you do not see your tax return in this folder, browse to locate your tax return file on your computer. Select the tax return you've already filed (e.g., 2008 Doe J Tax Return.tax2008) and click Open.
- On the File menu, select Save As. In the Save Tax Return window, enter a different name (e.g., Amend 2008 Doe J Tax Return.tax2008) then click Save.
- Important: The saved return is a copy of your original return. You'll use the copy to amend your return.
- For Mac, on the File menu in TurboTax, select Open Tax Return then select the return you've already filed. (e.g., 2008 Doe J Tax Return.tax2008)
- Click Open. The tax return will open in a separate window with the file name at the top.
- On the File menu, select Save As. Enter a different name (e.g., Amend 2008 Doe J Tax Return.tax2008) then click Save.
- Important: The saved return is a copy of your original return. You'll use the copy to amend your return.
- For Windows, on the File menu in TurboTax, select Open Tax Return
- Activate your state tax return: It may seem a bit complicated, but before you change your federal return you’ll need to activate your state tax return so any changes you make on your federal return will transfer to the state. Select the State Taxes tab along the top, and then select Continue. This will activate your state return. (If you have more than one state return, select the state you want to amend and then select Continue).
- Make the changes to your federal return: Now that you’ve started the amend process, you’re ready to go back and make the necessary changes to your federal return. You can select the Personal Info tab at the top and continue through each section. Or you can select another tab if you know where to go.
- Example: You filed your return and then received another W-2 in the mail. Select the Federal Taxes tab and then Revisit the W-2 section.
- Return to the amend section: Once you’ve finished making changes to your federal return, follow these steps to get back to the amend section.
- 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.
- In the Other Tax Forms section, select Amend a Return.
- Check the box next to “I’ve made my changes and need to finish amending my federal return” and then select Continue.
- 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.
- Check for errors: Select the Federal Review tab and then select the Error Check subtab to find and correct any errors in your federal return.
- Start your state amended return: Select the State Taxes tab and continue through the state Interview. 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, so there’s no need to make those changes again.
- Make any state-only changes: Go through your state return and make any state-only changes. These are things like state-only credits and deductions.
- 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.
- 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).
- Review and complete the state amended form: On most state returns, you’ll come to a screen with the actual amended 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.
- Review your state return: Continue until you come to the Final Review and check for errors. Fix any errors found by TurboTax.
- Print your federal and state amended returns: Continue to the Print & File tab and print your federal and state amended returns.
Important: Amended returns cannot be e-filed.Note: On Form 1040X, your original amounts appear in column A. The corrected amounts you entered appear in column C. The difference between the original and corrected amounts appears in column B. Other corrections you made (e.g., number of exemptions) also appear on Form 1040X.- Sign and mail your amended returns: Sign your returns, then mail them. The addresses are in the filing instructions that print out with your returns.
Note: Be sure to save a copy of your amended tax information. You'll transfer your amended information to next year's version of TurboTax.
Important: If you started amending your return and discover that you don't need to amend, click here for instructions to delete Form 1040X. Click here for instructions to delete the state amendment form.
