How to Amend Only Your 2008 State Return

Note: If you’ve started amending your return, you might have performed step 1 already. Skip to step 2.

 

If you need to amend just your prior year state return, click here.

1. Go through the amended Interview. You’ll indicate which returns you want to amend and save a copy of the return you filed.
   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, under Other Tax Forms, next to Amend a Return, click Start.
   3. At the end of the amend section, you’ll either print special instructions to follow, or follow the instructions below, depending on your preference.
2. 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.
3. Start your state amended return. Select the State Taxes tab and then select Continue. If you have more than one state return, select the state you want to amend and then select Continue.
4. Find the amended section of your state return.
   • For Windows, select View Topic List in the upper right. A new window will open. You’ll see a list of the sections in your state return.
   • For Mac, select Topic List in the upper part of your screen. A new window will open. You’ll see a list of the sections in your state return.
   • For TurboTax Online, select Tools in the upper right, and then select Topic List. A new window will open. You’ll see a list of the sections in your state return.
   • Most often, the amended section is usually toward the end under Additional Forms, Other Forms, or Other Forms You May Need. Select whichever of these topics you see and then select Continue until you find a screen that says "amend."
   • Sometimes you can find the amend topic by expanding the Miscellaneous topic.
5. Activate your amended state return. You should now be on the amend screen. Check the box to "amend" or "change" the return and select Continue. In some cases you’ll be asked if you want to amend. Answer Yes.
6. Make the changes to your state return. Select the State Taxes tab and go back through your return, making the necessary changes (the reasons you are amending). In most cases, people need to add, change, or delete state-specific credits or deductions. To quickly find the section you want to change:
   • For Windows, select View Topic List in the upper right. A new window will open. You’ll see a list of the sections in your state return.
   • For Mac, select Topic List in the upper part of your screen. A new window will open. You’ll see a list of the sections in your state return.
   • For TurboTax Online, select Tools in the upper right, and then select Topic List.
7. Answer questions about amend. Continue through your state return until you get back to the amend section. Answer any questions about amend (some states don't have any amend-related questions).
8. Fill in the state amended form. On most returns, you’ll come to a screen where you’ll see the actual amended tax return form. You'll then be able to enter information directly into the form. Most of the information should already be filled in. Fill in any additional information, paying close attention to questions and lines that relate directly to amending your state return, such as the reasons for amending.
9. Go through Final Review. Select Continue until you’ve gone through Final Review and error check. Fix any errors that come up.
10. Print your state amended return. Select the Print & File tab and print your state amended return.
    Important: Amended returns cannot be e-filed.

     

     

11. Sign and mail your amended return. Sign your amended return. Mail it to the address in the filing instructions that print with your return.

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 state return and discover that you don't need to amend, click here for instructions to delete the state amendment form.