just now asking a senior tech at Go System whether their govt paper print copy of the 1040X that GSTax produces is the same as the XML file transmitted to the IRS.
Answer is very different.
For example the 1040X page 1 and 2 are not in the XML file. She didn't even think the explanation of changes is included, but not sure for 1040's. It's not included for corporation and pshp amended Fed returns.
Her understanding is that the IRS electronically compares original efile with the amended to determine it's own version of the 1040X page 1.
At least for amended corps and psh Fed returns, the explanation is only for the tax accountant's documentation own use.
Other than download the XML efile, the only way to see what forms are included in the efile submittal is to go to a screen in GST that lists "forms included" in efile.