Question

Error when filing

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
April 18, 2020
1 reply
0 views

I need some advice. I was trying to help a friend who had not filed taxes last year. I have her return ready on Turbo Tax. However, before filing that, I went to the IRS.gov website to file for her stimulus check. Now that that has been filed, apparently, it means I filed for this year for her too. She owes a little bit of tax for this year. Do I amend the return? Also, when I went back and looked at the IRS.gov form, it showed her as a dependent for someone. I am certain that I did not put her down as a dependent. I'm afraid she won't get her check now and I've really screwed it up. Can someone tell me how to fix this? Thanks so much.

Not A Product Question

macuser_22

Employee

If filed and accepted then amending is the only way. If the dependent box on the 1040 form is checked then the only way to do that is in the personal information interview.

If you filed, it is like dropping it into the mail - you cannot get it back if accepted by the IRS or state.

To amend your 2019 tax return:

-- First, *wait* to see if your return has been accepted or rejected by the IRS or state. DO NOT do anything until you receive the accept or reject e-mail.

-- If rejected, you can correct and re-send your return.

-- If accepted you should *wait* until your return has been processed and you receive your refund or conformation that any tax due has been paid. (If you file an amended return while you first return is being processed it can cause extended delays for both returns if two returns are in the system at the same time). In addition, if the IRS makes any change on your original return, you might end up having to amend the amendment – a sticky process that can take a year or more).

-- Then you can start the amend process.

-- Amended returns can only be mailed - allow 8-12 weeks - can take up to 16 weeks (4 months) for processing.

***************************************NOTE***********************************************
Amended returns can take up to 16 weeks (4 months) to process in normal times but due the the Corona virus shutdown the IRS is not even opening mailed returns at this time and just storing them so the 16 weeks will not even start until the IRS returns to normal - whenever that will be - and there will be a huge backup of mail.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue
********************************************************************************************

See this TurboTax FAQ for help with amending:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894381-how-to-amend-change-or-correct-a-return-you-already-filed

You can check the status of your amended return here but allow 3 weeks after filing for it to show up:
https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**