H&R Block submitted my return without all documents, IRS shows 'duplicate return filed' after I sent in Form 14157 and paper 1040. Should I file an amendment myself?

Tax preparer here. When you filed the paper 1040, it's showing as a duplicate because the system already has a return on file for you (the one H&R Block eventually got accepted). The Form 14157 is a complaint form against the preparer, but doesn't actually fix your tax situation. What you need to do is file Form 1040-X (amended return). You can e-file it now which is much faster than paper. Make sure you include ALL the documentation that was missing from your original return. The amended return will show the difference between what was originally filed and what should have been filed. The $7,200 difference will show up as additional refund due to you. Keep in mind that amended returns take longer to process - typically 16 weeks, but could be faster with e-filing. The IRS will review it manually since there's already a flag on your account for the duplicate filing situation.

I was in almost exactly the same situation you're describing and was completely confused by my transcript. I ended up using taxr.ai to actually understand what was going on with my account. It analyzed my transcript and explained exactly what the "duplicate return filed" status meant and what steps I needed to take. It also showed me what forms were missing from my original return. Super helpful when you're dealing with tax prep services that mess up your filing. Totally recommend checking it out: https://taxr.ai

I was in the same boat with a tax prep chain messing up my return. Spent WEEKS trying to get through to the IRS. Finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get a callback from an IRS agent within an hour! The agent was able to see both returns in the system and helped me figure out exactly what I needed to do to fix the problem. Talking directly to someone at the IRS was the only way I could get this sorted out. Got my refund 3 weeks later.

this is exactly why i do my own taxes! theese big tax prep companies are the WORST. they rushed me last year too and its not worth the headache. just get a free account on one of those diy tax websites and DIY. jackson hewitt, hr block, they all just hire temporary staff during tax season who barely understand taxes.

YES definitely file the 1040-X yourself! That's what I had to do when TurboTax messed up my return. And make sure you include a letter explaining WHY you're amending - that you tried to resolve with Form 14157 but need to correct the original incomplete filing. Also, print copies of EVERYTHING and keep them in a folder. The IRS is a mess right now and you might need to prove what you submitted and when.

I worked at a tax prep company (not naming which one). We were pushed to complete as many returns as possible each day. Your preparer proly just wanted to finish your return and didnt care if it was right. Definetly file an amendment yourself. And next time use a local CPA instead of a chain. More expensive but worth it

Hmm, the "duplicate return filed" message is actually good news. It means the IRS received your paper return. But they won't automatically know which one is correct. You need to call the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. They can help resolve cases where there are multiple returns. The regular IRS line probably won't be able to help you with this specific situation.

You can sue Jackson Hewitt for this you know. I sued Liberty Tax when they did something similar and I settled out of court for $2500. They have a responsibility to file accurate returns with the information you provided. If you gave them all the documents and they didn't use them, that's negligence.

My advice is to do BOTH - file the amended return AND continue to pursue it with the IRS. I was missin $4,500 because of a similar situation and I finally had to get my congressmans office involved. Its ridiculous we have to jump thru all these hoops because of preparer error.

If H&R Block messed up, they should fix it for free. Did you go back to them? I would start there and demand they file the amendment for you at no cost. They have a guarantee that covers preparer errors.

Pro tip: after you file the 1040-X, wait 3 weeks and then call the IRS to CONFIRM they recieved it. If you e-file, get the acceptance confirmation number and save it. My amendment got "lost" in their system last year and I had to submit it TWICE. The IRS is a dumpster fire right now with their backlog.

DID YOU SIGN A PAPER SAYING YOU REVIEWD YOUR RETURN BEFORE IT WAS SUBMITTED? If so, you might be partially responsible which could make this more complicated. Not trying to blame you, just saying it might impact how the IRS views the situation.

Random question but worth asking - are you SURE you're actually missing documentation? Sometimes the IRS systems are so messed up that what you see online isn't accurate. Have you been able to confirm exactly what documents the IRS actually has on file for you? It might just be a system issue rather than actually missing documents.

Call H&R Block's corporate customer service line (not your local office). They have a special team that handles preparer errors and they can file the amendment for you. I had a similar issue last yr and they fixed it within a week AND gave me a refund of what I paid them originally. Their local offices can be terrible but corp customer service is actually decent.

I was facing what seems like literally the exact same issue as you a couple months back. After trying everything, I downloaded the taxr.ai app and it was a complete lifesaver. It analyzed my transcript and showed exactly what codes were causing the problem, what documents were missing, and gave me step-by-step instructions on how to fix it. Never would have figured this out on my own! https://taxr.ai

File the 1040X asap and BYPASS the regular IRS channels. Call your local Taxpayer Advocate Office directly, dont call the main IRS number. Google for your states TAS office phone number. They can help with cases where there are multiple returns filed and can expedite your amendment.

so ur missing $7k because of H&R Block and ur asking US what to do? SUE THEM!!!!! This is literally their job and they totally screwed you over. File the amendment yourself so u get ur money, then take them to small claims court for any expenses/fees/time you had to spend fixing THEIR mistake.

After dealing with a similar nightmare with Liberty Tax (they forgot my 1099-B completely), I got NOWHERE trying to call the IRS myself. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me on the phone with an actual IRS agent in about 40 minutes. The agent was able to see exactly what had happened with my return and walk me through the amendment process. It was the only way I could talk to a live agent after weeks of trying on my own.

The IRS might actually fix this automatically. When they get duplicate returns, they sometimes compare them and process the one that seems most complete/accurate. But that can take months. If you need your money sooner, definitely file the amendment yourself.