Amending 2017 tax return I did not prepare

[tbanks]

I have a client that did not include the 1098-T in her 2017  tax return. She wants to now include it which would increase her refund by $1,712. I inputted all the information for the 1040X but the refund monitor does not show a refund and also it has DO NOT FILE on it. How do I generate the 1040X so I can have it signed and mail it to the IRS? Am I doing something wrong?

[Accountant-Man]

How did you enter it? First, enter the return As Originally Filed. THEN open the 1040 X. THEN add the 1098 T.

[Just-Lisa-Now- · Accepted solution]

The 1040X for 2018 isn't final or available to print yet.  Looks like 2/14 is the magic date    You should use the 2017 program for it.

[tbanks]

Is that acceptable? I just don't want to mess up anything

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

I always use the program year for the year of the amendment.  2017 amendment I use the 2017 program.   2015 amendment I use the 2015 program.

[Accountant-Man]

Since the 2017 program has the 2017 deductions and brackets, but the 2018 program has 2018 deductions and brackets, YOU CAN'T USE 2018 TO AMEND 2017. It's that simple.

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

Ive always wondered about that..it asks for the tax year at the top, but does it use that tax years deductions and such??  I never tried to chance it, and have always used the program for the year that's being amended.

[rbynaker]

I think if you're amending a different year than the tax software, it is possible but then the software just becomes a typewriter for the 1040X.  I've never done it that way and I'm not sure why anyone would want to.  Most of the 1040X returns I file have to have the updated/corrected forms & schedules attached and you're only going to get those from the correct year's software.