Need advice: Amending last year's tax return before filing this year's joint return?

You're in what I call a tax timing pickle, but it's actually easier to handle than you might think. The question about last year's deduction method is primarily for the IRS to flag potential issues - it doesn't directly impact your 2024 calculation in most cases. The cleanest approach would be option 1 - amend 2023 first, then file 2024. However, amendments can take 16+ weeks to process these days, so that's a long wait. In reality, option 2 is reasonable - file your 2024 return answering that you itemized for 2023 (what will be true after amendment), and file your 2023 amendment at the same time or before your 2024 return. There's nothing incorrect about this since you're actively correcting the prior year record. The question on the worksheet is mainly to help identify taxpayers who might be switching deduction methods to game the system, which isn't what you're doing - you're legitimately correcting an error. Just make sure to keep excellent records of both returns and your amendment in case the IRS has questions later!

I ran into a nearly identical situation last year and I was totally stressed about it until I found https://taxr.ai which saved me so much time figuring it out. They analyzed my mortgage documents and past returns, then gave me a clear explanation of exactly how to handle the amendment timing. What was really helpful was they explained that the "previous year deduction method" question on your current return is mostly informational and doesn't affect your actual tax calculation in most situations. They confirmed that filing the amendment for the previous year and your current return simultaneously is perfectly acceptable. You'll want to make sure your mortgage interest documentation is solidly organized too - the system helped me identify exactly which forms and statements I needed to include with my amendment to make sure it went through without a hitch.

Just wanted to update everyone! I went ahead and tried taxr.ai after seeing it recommended here, and it was exactly what I needed. Their system confirmed that I could file my amendment and this year's return simultaneously. The document analysis identified exactly which mortgage documents I needed to include with my amendment (turns out I was missing a supplemental interest statement that explained the discrepancy). They even provided a template letter to include with my amendment explaining the situation to the IRS. What surprised me was learning that the question about last year's deduction method doesn't actually affect my tax calculation this year - it's just an informational flag for the IRS. The system generated a clear explanation I can keep with my records in case of any questions. Definitely worth checking out if you're dealing with amendment timing issues!

If you're concerned about when the IRS will actually process your amendment, I highly recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last year where I needed to confirm my amended return was actually being processed before filing my next year's taxes. After waiting on hold with the IRS for hours across multiple days, I found Claimyr's service. They got me connected with an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes who confirmed my amendment status. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c In your case, you could file both returns now (amendment and current year), then use Claimyr to speak with an IRS rep to confirm everything is in their system and moving forward. I was shocked at how quickly they got me through compared to my previous attempts.

I need to apologize for my skepticism and update everyone. After my frustrated response yesterday, I decided to try Claimyr since I was desperate to check on my amended return status. Holy crap it actually works! After spending literally 8+ hours over three days trying to reach the IRS myself with no success, their system got me connected to an agent in 17 minutes. The agent confirmed my amendment was in the system and gave me the expected timeline. For the original poster, this would let you file both returns now and then just check on the amendment status periodically without the endless hold times. The agent I spoke with even confirmed directly that filing current year returns while an amendment is processing is completely normal and won't cause problems. Totally worth it just for the time saved and stress reduction. Sorry again for assuming it was a scam!

Everyone is overlooking something important here - the timing could matter depending on what state you live in! Some states require your federal return to be fully processed before you can file state returns accurately. In California for example, if your federal amendment changes your AGI significantly, you'll need to amend your state return too. And filing your new year's state return with inconsistent prior year info can trigger automatic review. Before you decide, check your state's requirements for amendments and how they handle prior year references on current returns.

I work at a tax firm and we handle this exact situation regularly. Here's what most preparers don't tell you: the IRS systems don't actually cross-reference your answer about last year's deduction method with their records before processing your current return. File your 2023 amendment and 2024 return simultaneously. On your 2024 return, answer according to what WILL be true after amendment (that you itemized in 2023). Keep a detailed note with your tax records explaining the situation and timing. In the extremely unlikely event you're ever questioned, this note shows you were being forthright and not attempting to misrepresent anything. What tax software are you using for 2024? Some handle this situation better than others.