- How to Amend Only Your Prior Year State Tax Return in TurboTax
How to Amend Only Your Prior Year State Tax Return in TurboTax
Before you start:
- When you amend a return, you’re sending a revised return to the government. You only need to do this if you’ve already filed.
- You can amend a state return if you need to correct a mistake, your federal income wasn't treated correctly on your state return, or you forgot to take a state-specific credit or deduction.
TurboTax forms and calculations are specific to each tax year. For example, to amend your 2008 tax return, you need to use TurboTax 2008. See how to amend just your 2008 state tax return.
Note: If you used TurboTax Online to file your 2007, 2006, or prior year taxes, or if you’ve misplaced your prior year TurboTax CD or download, please contact us for a free download of the right TurboTax year.If you used TurboTax Online, you'll need to log in and get a PDF copy of your tax return (the return you filed with the IRS and your state). Before you amend your return, you'll use the PDF as a guide to enter your tax return data into the downloaded version of TurboTax. See how to Access Prior-Year Tax Returns. If you have trouble logging into TurboTax Online, see Forgot Your TurboTax Online User ID, Password, or Security Answer.
To amend just your state return...
Follow these steps:
- Make a copy of your original tax return.
- 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., 2007 Doe J Tax Return.tax) 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., 2007 Doe J Tax Return.tax) and click Open.
- On the File menu, select Save As. In the Save Tax Return window, enter a different name (e.g., Amend 2007 Doe J Tax Return.tax), and then click Save.
- On the File menu in TurboTax, select Open Tax Return, and then select the return you’ve already filed (e.g. 2007 Doe J Tax Return.tax).
- 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 2007 Doe J Tax Return.tax), and then click Save.
- Log into TurboTax Online. Click here for help, if you're having trouble logging in.
- Download a PDF copy of your prior year tax return.
- Print a copy of your PDF return.
- In the downloaded version of TurboTax where you will be amending, use the PDF file to enter your tax return data exactly as you filed it with the IRS and your state.
- Follow the steps above (for Windows or Mac, depending on which downloaded version of TurboTax you are using) to save your original return and create a new copy for your amended return.
- Click the State Taxes tab then select your state.
- Go to the Amend section in your state return. Use the Topic List to get there quickly.
- Answer the Interview questions about your amended return. This "freezes" the amounts on your original return and tracks the changes you make for the amended return.
- Most states have you fill in the amended tax form in an area below the Interview questions. Don't fill in the form yet.
- Enter changes to your state return. These changes are the reason you are amending your state return.
- Go to the amend section in your state return for a second time. Use the Topic List to get there quickly.
- Answer the Interview questions about your state amended return.
- Most states have you finish filling in the amended tax form on the screen. Make sure the changes you made to your state return are reflected here.
- On the amended form, fill in the explanation or reasons for amending.
- Return to the Interview and continue.
- Run the State Review.
- Resolve any errors TurboTax finds.
- Click the Print & File tab.
- Follow the instructions to print your return for filing by mail.
- Sign and mail your state amendment form, and any supporting forms, to the addresses on the printed filing instructions.
Windows
Important: The saved return is a copy of your original return. You'll use the copy to amend your return.
Mac
Important: The saved return is a copy of your original return. You'll use the copy to amend your return.
TurboTax Online
The amend section is usually the last section before the State Review. To quickly find the amend section, use the Topic List to look for and open one of these topic names (it varies by state, and sometimes your have to expand the topic to find the amend section):
