Help fixing R0000-194 error code? Filed my 1099 online and W-2 through TurboTax separately

Thank you so much for explaining! That makes sense about the duplicate filing situation. I'm guessing I can't just cancel the accepted 1099 return somehow and start over? Also, do you know if I can use TurboTax to file the amended return or do I need to do it on paper? Their website is confusing me.

You can't cancel a return that's already been accepted by the IRS - that's why you need to amend it. There's no "undo" button once the IRS processes your return. Yes, you can use TurboTax to prepare and file an amended return. Most tax software has an amendment feature. Just make sure you're amending the return that was already accepted (the 1099 one) and then add in your W-2 information. TurboTax will guide you through the process, but be aware that you might need to pay for the service since amended returns sometimes require a higher tier of service.

How does that work exactly? Like do you upload your documents and they analyze them or something? I've never heard of this service before but I'm desperate at this point.

Sounds like yet another paid service trying to profit off the complicated tax system. What makes this any better than just calling the IRS directly? I'm always skeptical of these "tax helper" sites.

You upload digital copies of your tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, and a copy of your already-filed return), and their system analyzes everything to identify exactly what needs to be fixed. It's all automated so it takes just a few minutes to get your personalized plan. The difference from calling the IRS is you don't have to wait on hold for hours, and they specifically focus on fixing filing errors like the R0000-194. They break everything down into simple steps that are easy to follow even if you're not a tax expert. It's more like having a tax pro look at your specific situation than trying to get general advice from an IRS agent.

Wait, how does this actually work? I'm confused. Are they somehow jumping the line at the IRS? That seems impossible.

Yeah right. No way this actually works. The IRS phone system is designed to be impossible to navigate. I'll believe it when I see it - sounds like a scam to me.

It's not jumping the line or anything shady. They use an automated system that keeps dialing the IRS repeatedly using the optimal call patterns (like calling at the right times of day) until they get through. Then when they're about to connect with an agent, they call you to join the call. It's basically like having someone wait on hold for you. There's nothing magical about it - just technology handling the frustrating part of waiting through the hold times and navigating the phone tree. It's completely legitimate and has saved me so much time and frustration. The IRS agents don't even know you used a service to get through - you're just another caller to them.

I'm worried about messing something up if I try to do it on paper. Is there a good tutorial somewhere for filling out 1040-X? Also, do I need to redo all the calculations from scratch or can I use what TurboTax already calculated?

The IRS has a decent tutorial on their website with instructions for Form 1040-X. Just search "how to file 1040-X IRS" and it should come up. You don't have to redo everything from scratch. Use the calculations from both your accepted 1099 return and the rejected W-2 return as starting points. The 1040-X has three columns: A (original figures), B (net change), and C (correct amount). Column A would be your accepted 1099 return amounts, column B shows the changes from adding your W-2 income, and column C is the final combined total. It sounds more complicated than it is when you're actually looking at the form.

Totally agree. And make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING - both returns, all your documents, and any communication with the IRS. I had a similar issue resolved but then got a notice 6 months later questioning my amendment. Having all my paperwork saved me from a huge headache.