As a tax preparer, you may have the opportunity to amend a federal tax return prepared by someone else.
In the process of preparing the return you won't attempt to recreate the other preparer's work - due to software differences or the timing of subsequent legislation it may not be possible - rather, you will create the return as it should have been done.
Before beginning this process be sure to have in-hand all the tax documents and other paperwork and information you will need to create the return as if you are the original preparer. Hopefully the taxpayer can provide you with a copy of the entire original return for you to examine to see what needs to be changed as well as ensure you don't inadvertently omit something, but if they can't supply a copy of the entire return you at least need a copy of the original Form 1040 for the purpose of completing the Original column of Form 1040-X.
You will not be able to amend the return without a copy of the original accepted Form 1040.
When entering a client's federal tax return for the purpose of amending it, follow this procedure:
- Start the tax return as you normally would - Enter the SSN, select the filing status, enter the personal information and dependents, if any.
- Enter the federal information - Enter the information in the federal return as it should have been entered the first time.
- Complete the state return(s), if any.
- From the left menu select "20xx Amended Return".
- Select Original Federal Return Information - Enter the amounts as reported on the original Form 1040. If you're not sure where an amount comes from in the original return, select the blue "Where is this located?" link for help. After entering the amounts, evaluate the statements with a check box, and in the fields provided enter the number of dependents on the original return.
- If a state return needs to be amended, select "Amend State Return(s)" - Next, select "Amend State" for the State you need to amend, then from the state return main menu select the "Amended Return" menu line to begin. The first question confirms that you wish to amend, so be sure to answer this question "Yes".
- Enter an explanation - Returning to the federal Amended Tax Return menu, select Explain Changes and enter an explanation of why the return was changed. The IRS requires this information.
- Print Amended Return - If you need to mail the amended return, you can print a copy to PDF suitable for printing to paper. You can also print a copy at the Tax Return Summary page, and if you are e-filing the amended return you print at the Submission step of the e-file process.
- Continue to the e-file section.
If you are unfamiliar e-filing an amended tax return in TaxSlayer ProWeb, follow the link below for instructions.
Additional Information: