Can You Efile 2020 Amended Returns?

Yes, you can electronically file an amended federal tax return for the 2020 tax year. An amended return is necessary to correct errors or claim deductions and credits missed on your initial filing, which is done by submitting Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The ability to e-file this form is a recent option from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), offering a more efficient alternative to the traditional paper filing method.

Preparing Your Amended Return Documents

You will need a complete copy of your original 2020 tax return, whether it was a Form 1040 or 1040-SR. You must also collect any new or corrected informational documents that are prompting the amendment, such as a revised Form W-2 from an employer or a Form 1099 that was previously omitted.

Form 1040-X is structured with three primary columns to delineate the adjustments. Column A requires you to enter the figures as they appeared on your original 2020 return. Column C is where you will input the corrected figures, reflecting the updated information. The difference between these two amounts is then calculated and entered into Column B, showing the net change for each line item.

A component of Form 1040-X is Part III, “Explanation of Changes.” In this section, you must provide a clear narrative explaining each change you are making and the reason for it. For example, if you received a corrected W-2 with higher wages, you would state that and reference the specific line numbers on the form that are being adjusted. This explanation helps the IRS understand the basis for your amendment.

How to File Your 2020 Amended Return

For electronic submission, you must use a tax preparation software product that supports e-filing for 2020 amended returns. The IRS began accepting e-filed amended returns in 2020, but a requirement is that your original 2020 return must have also been filed electronically. The software will guide you through the process of transmitting it directly to the IRS.

If you are unable to e-file, paper filing remains an option. Only attach copies of the specific tax forms and schedules that have been changed as a result of the amendment; do not include a copy of your entire original return. The package must be mailed to the correct IRS service center, with the address depending on your location.

After submitting your return, you can monitor its progress, though processing can take up to 16 weeks or longer. You can check the status online using the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool on the IRS website. To use the tool, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code.

It can take up to three weeks from the date you file for the return to appear in the IRS system. The tool shows your return in one of three stages: Received, Adjusted, or Completed. You can also check the status by calling the IRS at 866-464-2050.