A little known procedure that can be employed is as follows:

1. Wait for the refund (just common sense)
2. Prepare a second 1040
3. You might want to mark on the top "Corrected" (Optional)
4. File by 4/15/04.

The return will take a while, but ultimately it will be
processed as your "final, original" return for this filing
period and the IRS will send you the $75.

This works because you are technically allowed to submit any
number of returns before the deadline. Your final submitted
return counts.

Clearly the IRS would prefer a 1040X, but since this is a
taxpayer who was confused about how to do a 1040X, clearly
filing a new 1040 is within his grasp. The state may
require an amendment so this process only works with the
IRS.

Charles Markham, EA

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- quote -

You can use a 1040X for your federal, but since you mailed
your return, don't send the 1040X for at least 3 weeks so
they don't cross and the amended return gets in the system
first.

Helen, EA in PA
Member of The Tax Gang
Director, National Assoication of Enrolled Agents
Immediate Past President, PA Society of Enrolled Agents

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Mark Jones <none[at]all.com> wrote:

- quote -

A 1098 is used to report mortgage interest paid (or if a
1098-T, for eligible student expenses paid), both of which
you should have been aware you should be getting. The
issuers of such forms are not required to make them
available until January 31, so filing earlier than that is
just asking for trouble.

You can download the 1040X form at http://www.irs.gov

The best way to use the amended form is to first make a new
copy of the 1040, using the correct figures. Then you can
transfer the changed amounts to the 1040X form. You might
want to wait until you are SURE that you have received ALL
income and deduction-related documents. Don't forget bank
interest forms.

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- quote -

The best way would be to fill out the forms, one for the
federal and one for the state, and mail them in. That will
save you having to answer the letter from both asking about
it.

- quote -

Why on earth were you filing so early?

Carol
What can one expect of a day that begins with getting out of bed.

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Mark Jones wrote:

- quote -

Wait till you get your federal AND state returns settled,
meaning you get your refund probably.

Then take the time to amend if you wish.

Cheer$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

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Mark Jones <none[at]all.com> wrote:

- quote -

Wait until you get your refunds from the original returns.
Then go ahead and file the forms 1040X.

Missy

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Mark Jones <none[at]all.com> writes:

- quote -

Wait until your original returns have been processed and
then amend them. The Federal form is the 1040X.

For future reference and for lurkers, remember that
information documents don't have to be in the mail until
January 31. Every year we get inquiries from people who
jumped the gun and filed with insufficient information.

Phil Marti
Topeka, KS

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I mailed both my federal and state returns 2 days ago. I
received a (very) unexpected 1098 which gives me about $75
more back on my federal return and about $22 on my state
(Maryland) return.

I have not been in this situation before. I have read about
a 1040X form. Can anyone give me advice on how to proceed? I
could let the $22 go, but the $75 I would not like to.

If that extra form had only been 2 days earlier!

Thank you for any help!

Mark

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