Superseded return

[gparch1]

Have you ever tried to use ProSeries Professional to file a superseded return?  I tried for the first time this past season.  It's an involved process making a copy of the return to preserve the original tax return.   The ProSeries support staff are not familiar with the process.  The worse part was that the IRS accepted the superseded return electronically, but the IRS then processed the original return and issued the incorrect refund within a week.  It was not possible to file a superseded state of CT return.  Instead, I had to file an amended state of CT return.  Not worth the effort.

[HOPE2]

Yes, you right, The ProSeries support staff are not familiar with the process

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

Superseded returns are processed the same as amended returns, they're not an instantaneous change to the original return.   

[HOPE2]

It seems that if a superseded return is filed before the original return is finalized, the IRS immediately replaces the original return with the superseded one. However, any balances due or refunds shown on the original return are processed independently, without considering the superseded return at that point. The superseded return is also processed separately. Each return is handled on its own.

[HOPE2]

If a superseded return is filed before the original return is finalized, the IRS immediately replaces the original return with the superseded one. However, any balances due or refunds shown on the original return are processed independently, without considering the superseded return at that point. The superseded return is also processed separately. Each return is handled on its own.

[gparch1]

The superseded return was filed one day after the original return. Despite that, the IRS processed the refund from the original return.

[HOPE2]

As I mentioned before, both of them are considered separately.

[BobKamman]

Why would you think the electronic filing system would have a morning-after pill that stopped the process, untouched by human hands, for the original return?  The IRS goal is that preparers should measure twice and cut once.  

[HOPE2]

 Do you assume that all clients have as much free time as I do, simply waiting at the front door as the sun sets and the moon rises? Sure they forget some documents it is normal 

[BobKamman]

Judging by the number of people who ask here if the can file a second or third amended return, I assume that the client who just found another document since yesterday is likely to find still another next week.  Even they can learn, though, if you tell them to come back after April 15.  It used to be easier to tell them not to cash the check.  Now, you tell them not to spend the refund because some of it will be going back to IRS.

There are specific situations where a superseded return can be justified -- like changing joint to separate, as we had to do back when the $150K limit on the unemployment compensation exclusion was an issue.  But I don't have any free time for clients who want me to do two returns before April 15 for one person, when two people would like me to do just one return and I am turning away clients.  

[Skylane]

@BobKamman does things the old fashioned way… paper… and does not have to deal with the instant gratification expectations and demands of the electronic preparers and their clients… 

I have fully embraced this electronic garbage but have retained some of the ‘old ways”

Understand that while the electrons flow with immediacy, IRS service and processing (for anything other than the initial filing) does not… 

i file no returns before Valentine’s Day to give the programmers a chance to fix whatever is broken.

I file no 1040x before (I am confident) the original return has been processed.

I don’t waste time with superseded returns… 

Like Bob, if my clients don’t like it, I’m happy to return their paperwork…. A request that has yet to be made….