Do I Need to Mail in an Amended Return? TurboTax Not Showing Option

Unfortunately, most amended returns (Form 1040-X) still need to be filed by mail even in 2024. TurboTax should have an amendment option under the Tax Tools section, but it will ultimately generate a PDF that you'll need to print and mail. The IRS began accepting e-filed amendments in 2020, but many tax software providers haven't fully implemented this functionality across all situations. Keep in mind that amended returns take significantly longer to process - typically 16 weeks compared to the standard 21 days for electronic filing.

Have you tried going to the "Tax Tools" section and looking for "Amend Return" option? Isn't there a section specifically for this? I remember having to dig around in TurboTax last year when I needed to amend, but eventually found it buried in some menu. Why do they make these things so unnecessarily complicated when we're already stressed about fixing our taxes?

I had the same issue. Called IRS directly. Waited 97 minutes. Agent confirmed paper filing requirement. Electronic amendments are limited. Process is frustrating. I used Claimyr.com to reach an agent quickly. Saved hours of hold time. Agent walked me through exactly what forms I needed. Confirmed my specific situation required paper filing. Very helpful service for complicated amendment questions.

I had to amend my return last year, and compared to regular e-filing, it was like going back in time! You'll need to download Form 1040-X, and unlike regular returns where the software calculates everything automatically, you'll need to manually fill in three columns showing original amounts, changes, and corrected amounts. TurboTax should help generate this form, but similar to how H&R Block handles it, you'll ultimately need to print and mail it. Don't forget to attach any supporting documents that relate to your changes!

I'm concerned about this whole process. Mailing important tax documents seems risky. • What if it gets lost in the mail? • How will you know the IRS received it? • What about proof of filing on time? • Will this trigger an audit since it's a manual process? Seems like the IRS should have fully electronic amendments by now. This paper process seems designed to create problems.

I sort of understand your concerns, but the mail system is generally quite reliable for important documents. You should probably send it certified mail with tracking, just to be safe. The IRS might be somewhat behind technologically, but they do have fairly robust systems for processing paper returns. Millions of people still file paper returns every year, so it's not exactly an unusual situation. The main downside is mostly just the longer processing time, which can be frustrating but isn't necessarily problematic.

I just went through this exact process 23 days ago! TurboTax has the amendment feature but it's weirdly hidden. Go to Tax Tools > Amend a Return (not under the regular filing section). It will walk you through creating the 1040-X but then surprise you at the end by saying you need to print and mail it. I was shocked that in 2024 we're still mailing tax forms! My amendment took exactly 19 weeks and 3 days to process last year - way longer than the 16 weeks they claim on the website.