Already eFiled. Now need to file 1040X..

Thanks in advance for any assistance here!

I have already e-filed my federal return. It has already been accepted. I had tax due and was planning on mailing the check with my 1040-V. However, when I started doing my state return, I found some POST "last-minute" mess-ups.

Namely,
1) I should have excluded gain on the sale of half of my duplex since it was my primary residence for > 2 years in the past 5 years.
2) I failed to include rental income received as garnishments from a civil small claims judgement.
3) Took "Tuition & Fees deduction" instead of "Lifetime learning credit" (which would be more advantageous given the reduced AGI from #1 above.


Q1: Given that the 1040X turns my return from "Tax Due" to "Refund", can I forgo mailing the check with my 1040-V and simply include a letter along with my 1040X ? Or should I pay the money and wait for the check to clear and _then_ file my 1040X ??

Q2: I have NOT filed my state return yet. I am on the fence on if I should send in incorrect information (based on the fed efile already sent) or send in what it *should* be based on my 1040X adjustments.. at which point if the state checks with the fed, it won't match. I understand I'm in the same boat with the state that I'd be with the fed. I'd end up owing the state and have to file an amendment and try and get back a refund on my overpayment (which coincidentally for the state would also include underpayment penalties).

Please advise!

Hobbzilla,

As you have experienced, it is usually best to sleep on the tax returns for a day or 2.
And to complete both federal and state returns before submitting them.

State and Federal tax folks have their computers talking to each other, comparing SSNs, dollar amounts, etc. I would use the federal numbers as they fit the state return.

This may mean you should ammend your state return at the same time you ammend your federal return.

Wait a few months to do this, and ammend them both at the same time.
We have 3 years to ammend a tax return.

Does your state have an automatic extension to file?
Use this if the extension to file is available.

Then when you ammend your federal return, send in your state return too.