Filed taxes before receiving 1099-G for unemployment - TurboTax won't let me amend?
I filed my taxes in early February, but now I've received my unemployment 1099-G form which wasn't available when I filed. Shouldn't TurboTax allow me to amend my return to include this income? Why am I getting an error message when I try to amend through their system? Do I have different options as someone who recently moved to the US? I'm concerned about potential penalties if I don't report this income correctly, but I also want to make sure I'm exercising my rights as a taxpayer to fix this situation properly.
20 comments
Miguel Ortiz
This is actually a common issue many people face when filing early in the tax season. Here's what you need to know: • TurboTax typically allows amendments, but they stagger the release of amendment capabilities each tax season • For 2024 returns (2023 tax year), many tax software platforms don't have full amendment functionality until mid-April • You have up to 3 years to file an amendment, so there's no immediate rush • The proper form for amendments is Form 1040-X • Unemployment compensation is fully taxable at the federal level • You'll need to report the full amount shown in Box 1 of your 1099-G I'd recommend waiting about 2-3 weeks for TurboTax to update their amendment capabilities for this tax season. If you're still having issues, you may need to consider preparing the amendment through a different method.
0 coins
Zainab Khalil
Is there a specific error message that TurboTax is showing? Sometimes they have different restrictions based on the type of return originally filed.
0 coins
9d
QuantumQuest
How much are we talking about on the 1099-G? If it's under $1,500 in unemployment benefits, the tax impact might be minimal. I had exactly $4,320 in unemployment last year and it only changed my tax liability by $518 after all calculations.
0 coins
6d
Connor Murphy
This step-by-step explanation is incredibly helpful! I had no idea amendment capabilities were rolled out gradually throughout the season. Makes so much sense why I couldn't amend right away last year.
0 coins
4d
Yara Haddad
Per IRC §6501, isn't there a potential for penalties if the amendment isn't filed before the original due date? I believe there's a distinction between timely filed amendments versus late amendments when additional tax is due.
0 coins
4d
Write a comment...
Keisha Robinson
Have you tried calling TurboTax support directly? Their wait times are ridiculous this time of year. I was on hold for 2 hours last week trying to fix a similar issue. If you need to speak with the IRS about amendment options, I'd recommend using Claimyr.com (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) to get through to an agent quickly. Saved me hours of hold time when I needed to sort out my unemployment tax situation. How much income are we talking about on the 1099-G? Might determine how urgently you need to address this.
0 coins
Paolo Conti
Does that service actually work? Seems like paying for something the IRS should provide for free. I've had some luck calling right when they open at 7am Eastern time.
0 coins
9d
Write a comment...
Amina Sow
According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040x), you should wait until your original return is processed before filing an amendment. The IRS has a specific tool called "Where's My Amended Return" at https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return that can help you track the status once you do file the amendment. Also, as of 2020, you can file Form 1040-X electronically, though not all tax software supports this. The IRS processing time for amendments is currently running about 16 weeks according to their latest update.
0 coins
GalaxyGazer
I wonder if there are special considerations for international taxpayers amending returns? I've heard the process can be more complex if you've recently established US residency.
0 coins
6d
Oliver Wagner
I'm probably overthinking this, but could amending trigger some kind of review of my entire return? I'd rather not draw unnecessary attention if I can avoid it.
0 coins
4d
Write a comment...
Natasha Kuznetsova
OMG I literally just went through this exact same issue! 😤 TurboTax has a weird system limitation right now where they don't activate the amendment feature until mid-April for some reason. I found a workaround by going to Account > Tax Tools > Amend Return (NOT through the normal filing process). If that doesn't work, you might need to wait until after April 15th when they fully activate all the amendment features. So frustrating when you're trying to do the right thing and the software won't cooperate! 🤦♀️
0 coins
Write a comment...
Javier Mendoza
This situation is similar to what happened to me with a missed 1099-INT last year. Unlike regular tax questions where you can just call the IRS general line, amendment issues often require looking at your actual tax documents to understand what's happening. I tried several approaches, but what finally worked was using taxr.ai to analyze my transcript and compare it with what I originally filed. It showed exactly where the discrepancy was and helped me understand how to properly structure the amendment. Compared to other options like paying a CPA $200+ for the same analysis, it was much more efficient.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Emma Thompson
I've been preparing taxes for over a decade, and I see this issue every year around this time. Back in 2022, I had a client who filed in January and then received three different 1099 forms in February. TurboTax wouldn't let them amend until April. This is because they prioritize their systems for new return filing during peak season, then enable amendment features later. Your best option is to wait until after the regular filing deadline (April 15th this year) when their systems will definitely allow amendments. The IRS gives you three years to amend, so there's no rush as long as you're planning to address it.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Malik Davis
How much is on the 1099-G? Might not be worth amending. Could be under the threshold. Just wondering.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Isabella Santos
There's a specific technical reason for TurboTax's limitation. Their amendment module utilizes the IRS's Modernized e-File (MeF) system for Form 1040-X electronic filing. This system undergoes annual updates and certification that isn't fully completed until after the standard filing season begins. You have several options: 1) Wait approximately 2-3 weeks for TurboTax to update their amendment capabilities, 2) Use the manual amendment process through Form 1040-X paper filing, or 3) Consult with a tax professional who has access to professional-grade software with current amendment capabilities.
0 coins
StarStrider
But wouldn't it be easier to just start over with a new return that includes the 1099-G? Or does that create more problems than it solves?
0 coins
4d
Ravi Gupta
BTDT last yr w/ same issue. Had to wait til mid-Apr for TT to update. NBD tho since IRS gives u 3yrs to amend. Just set a reminder and circle back after tax day!
0 coins
4d
Freya Pedersen
For unemployment specifically, is there a minimum reporting threshold? I received a very small amount and am wondering if there's a de minimis exception.
0 coins
4d
Write a comment...
Omar Hassan
I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last year! I filed in January and then got a surprise 1099-G in February. I panicked thinking I'd get in trouble with the IRS. I tried for hours to get TurboTax to let me amend, but kept hitting a wall. Called their customer service and they told me their amendment feature wouldn't be available until April. I was shocked that such a big company would have this limitation! Ended up waiting until May to file the amendment and everything worked out fine. The IRS processed it without any issues or penalties.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Chloe Anderson
Filing taxes with missing forms is like trying to bake a cake when you don't have all the ingredients - you know it's not going to turn out right! I had this identical situation in 2023. TurboTax wouldn't let me amend until April 20th. I marked my calendar, came back on that date, and the amendment option was magically available. Took about 15 minutes to add the 1099-G and resubmit. Received confirmation from the IRS within 3 days that they received my amendment, and my adjusted refund (which was smaller, of course) arrived about 12 weeks later. Smooth sailing once the system allowed it!
0 coins
Write a comment...