Can You E-File an Amended Tax Return?

It is possible to e-file an amended tax return for certain tax years and situations. An amended tax return, filed using Form 1040-X, corrects errors or makes changes to an original tax return already submitted and accepted by the IRS. This form allows taxpayers to adjust items such as income, deductions, credits, or filing status that were misreported or omitted on the initial filing.

E-filing Eligibility and Exceptions

E-filing federal amended tax returns, Form 1040-X, is generally permitted for the current tax year and the two immediately preceding tax years. This electronic filing option is available through tax software providers, provided the original return was also e-filed and accepted.

However, specific scenarios require paper filing. You must print and mail Form 1040-X if amending a tax year outside the eligible e-file window. Additionally, amended returns for situations involving a deceased taxpayer, or if the primary or spouse’s Social Security number differs from the original return, require paper submission. Amending certain specialized forms or if no numerical values have changed on the return also necessitates paper filing.

Preparing Your Amended Return for Submission

To complete Form 1040-X, you will need a copy of your original tax return and any new or corrected documentation. This includes information like your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and tax liability. The form is structured with three columns: Column A for amounts from your original return, Column B for the net increase or decrease of changes, and Column C for the corrected amounts after adjustments. You must provide a clear explanation for each change in the designated section of Form 1040-X. Supporting documents, such as corrected W-2s, 1099s, or receipts for newly claimed deductions or credits, should be gathered.

Submitting Your Amended Return

When e-filing Form 1040-X, the process is managed through your chosen tax software provider, rather than directly via an IRS portal. The software will guide you through the submission steps once you have entered the amended information. If e-filing is not an option, print and mail the completed Form 1040-X along with all required supporting documentation. The mailing address can vary based on your geographic location and whether you are enclosing a payment. Consult the IRS instructions or your tax software for the mailing address to ensure your return reaches the correct processing center.

After Filing

Once your amended tax return is submitted, the IRS takes approximately 16 weeks to process it, though this timeframe can vary. You can monitor the status of your amended return using the IRS’s “Where’s My Amended Return?” online tool. This tool provides status updates about three weeks after submission. The IRS may issue a refund, send a notice for a balance due, or request additional information if further review is needed.