Filed taxes but left off a W2 - Need advice on amended return options
I messed up my 2023 tax filing and need some guidance: • Filed my taxes in February (first time filing on my own after graduating) • Had to verify my identity with the IRS after filing • Just realized I completely forgot to include one of my W2 forms • Now considering filing an amended return My questions: • Is filing an amended return the right move in this situation? • Can I file the amendment electronically or do I need to mail it? • Will this delay my original refund that's still processing? • How complicated is the amendment process for just adding a missing W2? I'm honestly overwhelmed by all this. Any advice would be super helpful!
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Omar Hassan
Yes, filing an amended return is likely the correct approach in your situation. The IRS might catch the discrepancy eventually, but it's better if you address it proactively. As for electronic filing of amendments, this is possible in most cases now. Form 1040-X can be e-filed if your original return was also filed electronically. However, I would suggest waiting until your original return is fully processed before submitting the amendment. This helps avoid confusion in the IRS systems. The amendment process isn't overly complex for adding a missing W2, but you'll need to recalculate your tax liability.
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Chloe Anderson
•How long should they wait? Until they get their refund? Or just until the Where's My Refund tool shows it's approved?
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Diego Vargas
•This is incredibly helpful information. I had a similar situation on April 12th, 2023 when I realized I'd left off a 1099-NEC. I was worried about penalties, but following this exact process worked perfectly. The IRS processed my amendment within 16 weeks with no issues.
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CosmicCruiser
I'm wondering if you might possibly know whether the missing W2 would result in additional tax owed or an increased refund? It could potentially affect how quickly you might want to address this, I believe...
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Anastasia Fedorov
The missing W2 would actually increase my refund by about $400. I had federal taxes withheld on that job that I'm not getting credit for. Do you think I should wait until my original return processes completely? My status has been stuck on "still processing" for 3 weeks now.
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Sean Doyle
According to IRS Publication 17, you should file an amended return if you need to correct income, deductions, or credits. Since you're missing an entire W2, this absolutely qualifies. I spent WEEKS trying to reach an IRS agent about my amended return last year. Endless busy signals and disconnects. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got through in 25 minutes. The agent confirmed I needed to wait until my original return finished processing before submitting the amendment, which saved me from potential processing delays. Worth the fee to actually speak with someone who could verify my specific situation.
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Zara Rashid
Is the 1040-X e-filing capability available through most tax software platforms? I'm curious if there are any specific requirements for e-filing an amended return versus mailing it in?
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Luca Romano
•I just went through this process using TurboTax and was surprised that they support e-filing for amended returns now! The IRS website says most major tax software supports this feature. I expected to print and mail forms, but it was much easier electronically.
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Nia Jackson
•There are some limitations to be aware of when e-filing amendments: • You can only e-file if your original return was e-filed • You must amend the most recently filed return • Some tax situations still require paper filing (like foreign address changes) • Only tax years 2019 and later can be amended electronically • You can only submit up to three amended returns electronically
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NebulaNova
•Thank you both for this detailed information! This clarifies a lot for me too as I'm in a similar situation.
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Mateo Hernandez
I had EXACTLY this situation last year! I forgot a W2 from a job I worked for just two months. I waited until my original refund was deposited (took about 4 weeks), then filed the amendment electronically through H&R Block. I was so nervous about messing it up! The amendment took about 12 weeks to process, but I got the additional refund with no issues or questions from the IRS.
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Aisha Khan
One important clarification - when you file the amended return, you'll need to report ALL income again, not just the missing W2. Form 1040-X requires you to show the original amounts, the changes, and the corrected amounts. Processing time for amended returns is currently averaging 16-20 weeks according to the IRS website, though I've seen some processed in as few as 8 weeks.
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Ethan Taylor
Think of an amended return like correcting a recipe after you've already started cooking. You don't throw everything out - you just adjust what's needed to fix the dish. I filed an amended return in March 2023 to add a missing 1099. Used TaxAct to e-file it, and the process was pretty straightforward. The software pulled in all my original info, I added the missing form, and it recalculated everything automatically. Got my additional refund direct deposited 14 weeks later.
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