1040-X for 2020

Before you start:

• If you're recreating a 1040 filed by someone else, use the main forms and worksheets. Don't override amounts on the 1040.
• You can now e-file 2020 amendments even if you didn't file the client's original 1040. See "Which amended returns can I e-file?" below for more details.
• For help amending a 1040NR see Common Questions on Form 1040NR in Pro Series
  
   

   

How to complete Form 1040X

1. Open the client’s original return.
2. From the File menu, select Save as.
3. Save the return using a different name. For example, SmithCopy20.20I
4. Go to Homebase. 
5. Open the originally filed return (not the copy you just created). Use the File name column to tell them apart.
6. Press F6 to bring up Open Forms.
7. Type X to highlight Form 1040-X in the list.
8. Click OK.
9. Scroll down to the This return is for calendar year line.
10. Check the box for the year you’re amending.
    
     

     

    • Checking the current year box tells Pro Series to freeze the “Original amount” figures for column A at that moment. However, columns A-C won’t show any numbers until you enter changes on the return.
11. Scroll down to Part III and enter an Explanation of Changes.

1. Make the amended changes on the original form or worksheet.
   • For example, if you’re amending to add another child to the return, go to the Federal Information Worksheet. Or, to report additional sole proprietor income, go to the Schedule C.
2. After you enter your change(s) on the original forms, review the 1040X. 

Pro Series will automatically complete the lines of the 1040X that are required based on the change you’re reporting. 

To e-file the amended return:

1. Open the Federal Information Worksheet.
2. Click the QuickZoom button to jump to Part VII - E-file extend/amend.
3. Check the box to File federal amended return electronically.
4. If not already checked, mark the box for Check if original federal return was successfully e-filed.
   • Manually check if the original return was accepted in a different data file, or if the original return was submitted by a different program or tax preparer.
   • This option is only available in 2020 Pro Series. See "Which amended returns can I e-file?" below.
5. Run Final Review to check for errors or diagnostics.
6. Save the return and go to the EF Center or EF Clients Homebase view.
7. Highlight the client. Look in the Amended Return column to see which line is Marked for EF if you’re not sure which file to transmit.
   • Their EF Status will show as Duplicate SSN, since the copy you created is also listed here.
8. Go to the E-file menu and select Electronic Filing.
9. Click on Convert/Transmit Returns and Extensions…
10. You’ll see a warning that another taxpayer with the same SSN is present. Click Yes to continue with transmitting the return.
11. Convert and transmit the client's amended individual return.

Make sure to check for e-file acknowledgements after e-filing.