Can I Redo My Taxes After I Have Filed?

It is possible to correct a tax return after it has been filed. Taxpayers may discover errors or receive new information, and the IRS provides a process to ensure tax records are accurate and complete.

Identifying Errors and Necessary Information

An amended tax return is warranted for significant errors or omissions that impact tax liability. Common reasons include incorrect income reporting, such as receiving a corrected W-2 or 1099 form after filing, or overlooking certain income sources. Taxpayers might also need to amend if they discover missed deductions or overlooked tax credits. Changes in filing status or the number of dependents can also necessitate an amendment. Simple math errors are often corrected by the IRS automatically, so an amendment is not needed.

Before beginning the amendment process, taxpayers should gather specific documents and information. This includes the original tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR) for the year being amended. Any corrected or new tax documents, such as a W-2c, 1099-MISC, or K-1, are also needed. Receipts or other records that support new deductions or credits must be collected to substantiate the changes.

Completing the Amended Return Form

The form used to amend a U.S. individual income tax return is Form 1040-X, “Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.” This form can be obtained directly from the IRS website. When completing Form 1040-X, taxpayers will work with three columns for each line item. Column A is for the original amounts as filed or as previously adjusted by the IRS. Column B is for the net change, indicating the increase or decrease for each line item. Column C represents the corrected amounts after applying the changes from Column B to Column A.

Taxpayers must clearly indicate the tax year being amended at the top of the form and provide a detailed explanation for the changes in Part III of Form 1040-X. This explanation should be concise but specific, outlining the reason for the amendment. Attach any schedules or forms that support the changes, such as Schedule A for itemized deductions or Form 8863 for education credits, even if these schedules were not part of the original filing.

Submitting Your Amended Return

Once Form 1040-X is completed, the next step is submission. While some tax software allows for electronic filing of Form 1040-X for current and two prior tax periods, paper filing is often necessary, especially for older tax years or if the original return was paper-filed. If filing by mail, the specific IRS mailing address depends on the state of residence. Taxpayers should consult the IRS website or the Form 1040-X instructions for the correct address.

The submission package should include the signed Form 1040-X along with all relevant supporting forms and schedules that reflect the changes. It is not necessary to include a new Form 1040 with the amended return, but copies of any new or amended W-2s or 1099s should be attached. Taxpayers should retain a complete copy of the submitted amended return and all attachments for their personal records. If additional tax is owed, it should be paid by the original tax due date to avoid penalties and interest, or with the amended return if filed later.

Understanding the Timeline and What Happens Next

There are specific timelines associated with amended returns, particularly when claiming a refund. Taxpayers must file an amended return to claim a refund within three years from the date the original return was filed, or within two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. If the original return was filed early, the three-year period begins from the April tax deadline. There is no specific deadline for filing an amended return if the intent is to report additional income or pay additional tax, though interest and penalties may apply if the original payment was insufficient.

After submission, amended returns take longer to process than original returns. The IRS advises allowing up to 16 weeks for processing. Taxpayers can check the status of their amended return using the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” online tool or by calling the IRS toll-free number. It may take up to three weeks for the amended return to appear in the system after submission.

If a refund is due, it may be issued via direct deposit for electronically filed amendments for certain tax years or as a paper check for mailed returns. If additional tax is owed, the IRS will provide payment instructions and may assess interest and penalties if not paid by the original due date.

Amending State Tax Returns

Amending a federal tax return necessitates amending the corresponding state tax return. This is because many states base their tax calculations on federal adjusted gross income or other federal figures. State amended return procedures and forms are separate from the federal process. Each state has its own specific forms and instructions for amending a return, which can be found on the respective state’s tax agency website.

State deadlines for amending returns may differ from federal deadlines. Taxpayers should research their specific state’s requirements promptly after completing their federal amended return. If changes to the federal return affect state tax liability, filing an amended state return ensures compliance and proper calculation of any state-level refunds or additional taxes owed.