Heading back to 2018. . . "changes"

[ajp]

So, I needed to look back at a 2018 file to see about something.  When I opened it up, it displayed the message that things had changed since we filed the return.  We never filed an amendment, so I looked at what it said was different.  They only thing different was the tax (Sch D method).  According to this, if I file an amendment, my client would be entitled to a refund.  

Is this a bug?  Or was one fixed after I filed, and I didn't know about it?  I don't want to give him false hope, but if he is entitled to the extra money, I want to help him file for it.  

Thank you!

[jeffmcpa2010]

Run through the worksheets and see what is the correct amount. (By hand if necessary, might be a good excersize)

[rbynaker · Accepted solution]

That was the year when the IRS worksheet was wrong.  I thought the IRS was supposed to correct these, you might pull a transcript to see if it was already adjusted.

https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2019/may/irs-corrects-error-schedule-d-tax-calculation-wor...

[IRonMaN]

As a side note, if there are software updates of any kind between when the return was filed and when you go back and open it up in the future, the numbers are going to automatically change.

[dd4vols]

@rbynaker  is right.  I had 3 or 4 of those particular situations, and the IRS refunded every one of them.  If you look at the difference form your original return to the new amount, i would almost guarantee your client got that refund up in the summer of 2019.

[ajp]

Did the IRS refund them automatically, or was an amendment required?

[dd4vols]

The IRS refunded them automatically, we were told not to amend.  If my memory serves me correctly, the IRS added interest to the refund.