Can I Do an Amended Tax Return Online?

Taxpayers sometimes discover errors or omissions after submitting their federal income tax returns. These can range from overlooked income or deductions to changes in filing status. To correct these inaccuracies, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a process for amending a previously filed tax return. This article covers how to complete this process online, including eligibility, required information, and submission steps.

Eligibility for Online Amended Returns

Electronically filing an amended tax return, specifically Form 1040-X, is an option under certain conditions. Generally, you can e-file an amended return for the current tax year and the two immediately preceding tax years. A key requirement for electronic submission is that the original tax return for the year you are amending must have also been e-filed.

However, online filing is not universally available. If your original return was submitted on paper, you must mail a paper Form 1040-X. Similarly, if you need to amend a return for a tax year beyond the current year and the two prior years, or if your amendment involves certain complex forms, paper filing is required.

Information Needed to Amend Your Return

Before beginning the amendment process, gather all necessary information and documents. You will need a copy of your original tax return for the year being amended, as this serves as the baseline for all corrections.

Gather all supporting documents relevant to the changes you intend to make. This includes W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, or any other income statements that were incorrect or omitted. If you are adjusting deductions or credits, retain receipts, cancelled checks, or other records that substantiate the corrected amounts. The amendment form will require you to specify the original amounts, the corrected amounts, and a clear, detailed explanation for each change.

Completing Your Amended Return Through Online Software

Many tax preparation software programs and online tax services offer features to guide you through completing Form 1040-X. Accessing this feature involves logging into your account and selecting the option to amend a previously filed return for the specific tax year. The software may import data from your original e-filed return, streamlining the initial setup.

Within the amendment section, you will generally find fields to input the tax year being amended and to indicate the reason for the change. The software will present sections where you can enter both the original figures and the corrected figures for income, deductions, and credits. This side-by-side comparison helps identify the impact of your adjustments. The program automatically calculates the resulting change in your tax liability, whether it leads to a refund or an additional amount due. Review all entries for accuracy before proceeding to submission.

Electronically Submitting Your Amended Return

Once you have completed Form 1040-X within your chosen tax software, the final step involves electronic submission to the IRS. The software will guide you through a final review, ask for authorization, and then prompt you to click a “submit” or “e-file” button. Upon successful transmission, you should receive a confirmation, often via email or directly within the software, that your amended return has been accepted for processing.

Processing times for amended returns are generally longer than for original returns, ranging from 8 to 20 weeks. It can take up to three weeks for the amended return to appear in the IRS system after submission. To track the status of your e-filed amended return, you can utilize the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” online tool, which usually updates once a day. This tool requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code. If an additional tax payment is due as a result of the amendment, various online payment options are available, including IRS Direct Pay or payment through tax software.