Can You Refile Taxes? Here’s How and When to Do It

Taxpayers may discover errors or omissions on previously filed tax returns. The tax system allows for corrections to ensure accurate financial records through a process known as refiling or amending a tax return. This process helps individuals adjust their tax obligations due to overlooked income, forgotten deductions, or changes in personal circumstances.

Situations Requiring a Refile

Amending a tax return may be necessary for various reasons. Errors in reporting income are common, such as inadvertently omitting income from a W-2, 1099, or K-1 form, or receiving a corrected information statement after the original return was filed.

Missed or incorrect deductions and credits also often require an amendment. Taxpayers might overlook eligible deductions, like student loan interest or contributions to an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA), or fail to claim applicable tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit or education credits. Amending the return can lead to a larger refund or reduced tax liability.

Changes in filing status also often require an amended return. Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a spouse can alter a taxpayer’s correct filing status, impacting tax calculations. Corrected information from financial institutions or employers, or adjustments to investment income, may also necessitate an amendment.

Preparing Your Amended Return

To refile, individuals use IRS Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, which is for corrections to Forms 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR. Form 1040-X is available on the IRS website or through tax preparation software.

Gather specific documents to complete Form 1040-X. These include a copy of the original tax return being amended and all supporting documents for the changes. For example, new W-2s or 1099s are needed for underreported income, or receipts for new deductions.

Form 1040-X has three columns: Column A for original amounts, Column B for net changes, and Column C for corrected amounts. Transfer information from your original return to Column A, then calculate differences for Column B to arrive at Column C’s figures.

Part III of the form requires taxpayers to explain the reasons for the changes. This explanation helps the IRS understand the adjustments. Time limits apply for filing an amended return: taxpayers have three years from the original filing date or two years from the tax payment date, whichever is later, to claim a refund. If the original return was filed early, the three-year period starts from the April tax deadline.

Submitting Your Amended Return

After completing Form 1040-X, submit the amended return to the IRS. For paper filings, mailing addresses are in the IRS instructions for Form 1040-X and vary by location. Include the completed Form 1040-X and any supporting documents, such as corrected W-2s or receipts for new deductions. Avoid attaching a copy of your original return unless required by the Form 1040-X instructions for a specific change.

While amended returns were traditionally mailed, electronic filing options have expanded. Form 1040-X cannot be e-filed directly through the IRS, but some tax software providers support e-filing for the current and two prior tax years, especially if the original return was e-filed. Paper filing remains an option for all amended returns.

If the amended return results in additional tax owed, pay on time to avoid penalties and interest. Payments can be made by mailing a check or money order to the United States Treasury, with Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher. The IRS also offers electronic payment options on its website.

What Happens After Refiling

After an amended return is submitted, processing times are longer than for original returns. The IRS takes up to 16 weeks to process amended returns, though some cases may take longer due to complexity or volume. Electronic submissions can be processed more quickly than paper filings.

Taxpayers can monitor the status of their amended return using the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” online tool. This tool checks status for the current and up to three prior tax years, requiring a Social Security number, date of birth, and zip code. The status is available about three weeks after submission.

After the IRS processes an amended return, outcomes vary. A taxpayer may receive a refund if amendments lead to a lower tax liability or increased credits. Additional tax may be owed, with interest or penalties if the original payment was insufficient or late. Some amendments result in no change to the original tax liability. The IRS may also send correspondence or request additional information; taxpayers should respond promptly.