Worried about my tax return - Form 2106 added without employee expenses

This is definitely something you should address rather than filing a second return. Filing a second return would actually create more confusion and potential problems. What you need to do is file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to correct the issue. Since the original return has already been processed, this is the proper way to make corrections. The amended return will allow you to remove the Form 2106 that shouldn't have been there. I'd recommend contacting your tax preparer first though. They might have included Form 2106 for a specific reason, or it could have been a simple mistake. Either way, they should be able to explain why it was included or help you file the amendment for free if it was their error.

I went through almost the exact same situation last year! I was freaking out after discovering my preparer added a weird form I didn't need. After calling around and getting nowhere, I used taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was super helpful. You can upload your tax documents and it analyzes them to find issues like this. In my case, it confirmed that Form 2106 wasn't needed based on my situation and gave me specific language to use when talking to my preparer. They have tax pros who review things and explain exactly what's wrong and how to fix it. Saved me hours of anxiety and googling!

Just wanted to update that I took the advice and used taxr.ai to review my return. Gotta say I was impressed. They confirmed that Form 2106 shouldn't be on my return since I don't qualify for it (apparently it's now only for armed forces reservists, qualifying performers, etc. after the tax law changes). They even generated a letter I could send to my preparer explaining exactly why the form needed to be removed and the specific tax code reference. My preparer admitted the mistake and is filing the amended return for me at no charge. Definitely recommend if anyone else finds themselves in a similar situation!

If you're having trouble getting your tax preparer to fix this, you might want to try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last year and needed to talk to someone at the IRS directly, but kept getting stuck on hold forever. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes instead of the 3+ hours I was waiting before. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent I spoke with walked me through exactly what I needed to do to fix an error on my return and gave me peace of mind that I was handling it correctly. Definitely worth it for the time saved and stress reduction!

I need to eat my words from yesterday. After spending weeks trying to get through to the IRS about my issue, I tried Claimyr out of desperation. I was connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed I needed to file a 1040-X to fix an error similar to what the original poster described and walked me through the whole process. Would have saved myself a ton of stress if I'd done this sooner instead of trying to get through on my own for weeks. Sometimes it's worth admitting when you're wrong!

One important thing to note - Form 2106 is now ONLY for armed forces reservists, qualified performing artists, fee-basis state or local government officials, and employees with impairment-related work expenses. If you don't fall into one of these categories, then it definitely shouldn't be on your return. The 2017 tax law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) eliminated miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2% floor, which included unreimbursed employee expenses for most people. That's why it's a red flag if that form is there and you don't fit those special categories.

Has your refund already been issued? If not, you might be able to file a superseding return instead of an amended return if you're still within the filing deadline. A superseding return replaces your original return completely and is treated as if it was the original filing.