Filing a net operating loss carryback for California in Lacerte

How do you carryback a California net operating loss (NOL)?

What you need to know about NOL carrybacks for California

California frequently changes its tax law regarding NOL calculations. To see Form 3805V instructions for a given tax year:

1. Go to California's Forms and Publications Search page.
2. Select the tax year from the Tax Year dropdown menu.
3. In the field Form Number and/or Keywords, enter 3805 V.

To amend prior year returns for a CA NOL:

Before you start: we recommend making a copy of the client file. See Making a Copy of a Client in the Lacerte Tax Program for instructions.

1. Go to Screen 59, Amended Return (1040-X).
2. Under Return(s) to Amend, select the Federal/State return(s) to amend (Ctrl+T) (MANDATORY) from the dropdown menu.
3. Select OK.
4. Go to Screen 15, Net Operating Loss.
5. Under the NOL panel, select California Net Operating Loss.
6. Select the Type of Loss from the dropdown menu.
7. Enter the Year of loss (e.g., 2019).
   • You must a enter a loss from a prior year.
8. Enter the amount of Initial loss.
9. Enter the amount of AMT initial loss.
   • Not all NOLs will have an accompanying AMT NOL.
10. Enter the amount of Carryover from 20YY (Same as Initial loss).
11. Enter the amount of AMT carryover from 20YY (Same as AMT Initial loss).