IRS amended return not processed, received request for signature of original ret

[Endo1030]

DW and I filed our taxes as married filing separately in January, but due to the American rescue plan that was passed afterward it became advantageous for us to file jointly.

After our separate returns were accepted and we both received refunds, in April I filed an amended 2020 tax return to change  to a single MFJ return.

This week DW and I each received a packet from the IRS requesting signatures on our tax returns, but the packets contain our original MFS returns that have already been accepted.  I fear I may have created confusion by including copies of those MFS returns with the MFJ 1040X. 

The IRS amended return status indicates the return was received on 4/5/21, and that it is still being processed.

I'm not sure how to proceed from here.  My only ideas are that I could sign the returns as requested and return them with a note that I intended to file jointly and already submitted a 1040X.  I could keep waiting.  Or I could resend the 1040X.

Anybody have any advice?

I did speak to someone at the irs, but they just looked up my account and said I should keep waiting.  When I tried to explain that I got these requests for signatures they became kind of frustrated and said to just send in whatever is requested.

[reeshau]

Not a tax professional, but I did file an amended return this year.  (For a prior year)

Yes, you do need to include a copy of your original return when you file an amended return.  I wouldn't read into this too hard:  I suspect they just want to make sure that these are actually the original returns you filed, not some draft versions.

[secondcor521]

Provided you completed the 1040-X properly (and I'm guessing you did), and the IRS shows it as having been received, the IRS already understands that you want to go from MFS -> MFJ.

To correct something @reeshau said, you are not supposed to include a copy of the original return unless required for some reason to do so - this is mentioned at the end of the instructions for Form 1040-X on the IRS website.

The IRS amended return status probably still says it's being processed because the IRS is waiting on you to complete and return the requested information.

The IRS does move slowly these days - they are overworked and understaffed - but in general they get it right most of the time and the best thing to do (most of the time) is comply with their requests, be patient, and check back if you haven't heard about something in the promised time frame.

In your case, I'd complete the paperwork the IRS is requesting and send it in.  Until you do, I expect the IRS has just put your 1040-X in a "pending taxpayer correspondence" status and nothing will happen.

I'd read the notice carefully several times and do what it asks for.

The only reason I can imagine that they sent the MFS back for you to sign is that a tax return is not valid unless signed.  So even though you shouldn't have needed to send the original return in, the IRS agent may have just reflexively thought about that rule and required a signed copy.

Questions:

1.  Did you and your spouse e-file or paper file the original returns in January?
2.  If you paper filed, did you sign the originals that you sent in January?
3.  If you paper filed, were the copies you sent with the 1040-X in April actual copies of the signed copies that you filed in January, or just an extra printed copy?
4.  If you efiled, did you send a copy of the 8879 with the copies you submitted with the 1040-X?

(Also not a tax expert, but I do volunteer for AARP Foundation Tax Aide so I know a tiny bit.)

[Endo1030]

Hey, thanks for your responses.

To answer your questions secondcor,
1. We both efiled the original returns.  Using turbotax.
4. I did not include an 8879 with the copies I sent in with the 1040X.  I just printed them from turbotax, and it doesn't look like that was included in the packet.

I completed the amended return with turbotax as well.  There was an issue with turbotax's calculations though.  It was not able to subtract the refund $ from DW's MFS return from the final refund on the 1040X.  So I had to cross out a couple lines and write in new values to include both mine and her MFS refunds in the calculations.
I figured if anything this would be what was causing the delay, but the IRS response makes no mention of it.  I did explain in a note the reason I made the changes.

Thanks to both of you for your help. 

[secondcor521]

Dumb question, and this probably isn't it, but are you sure you and your wife both signed the 1040-X?

Also, as an FYI, people can now e-file amended returns provided the software supports it correctly and the original return was e-filed.  It sounds like your particular scenario involving a change in filing status isn't done right in TurboTax, so I can see why you had to print it.

I don't think the IRS likes it when you cross out numbers and write in corrections like you did.  I understand why you did it, and good on you for catching TT's error, but if all the numbers are computer printed but some are crossed out with handwritten corrections, even if you both signed it you can imagine that the IRS isn't happy about that.

Interesting situation.  What I might suggest is to make an appointment to go into your nearest IRS office.  You'll probably have to call to make an appointment, and that is hard these days because the phone lines are overwhelmed.  They've been very helpful to me in the past and will probably be better able to help you than the front line phone agents (who honestly are nice and capable people but seem to be first-level phone agents and not trained on unusual situations like yours).

[Endo1030]

I'm 99% sure we signed it.  I checked the instructions that turbotax provided, and they did include a reminder to sign the return.  If I remember correctly e-filing the amended return was possible at the time, but since I was changing my filing status I was required to do it by paper.

I think I'll follow the advice you guys gave and just send in the signed copies they asked for.  If nothing happens I'll try to follow up with the office.  It looks like my local office is only doing virtual visits right now.

Thanks again!