Regarding WSJ column: I had to file an amended return a few years ago, because I had omitted a major itemized deduction. Beforehand, I talked to an IRS representative who gave me this caution: Don't rush to file an amended return before your original return has been processed. If you do, you will confuse and delay everything. Best wishes, Scott Schmedel, scotplna@verizon.net, Tax Report columnist, 1980-1994.