How to Amend a Previously Filed Tax Return

Amending a previously filed tax return allows taxpayers to correct information or make changes after their original return has been submitted. This process enables adjustments to income, deductions, credits, or filing status, ensuring compliance with tax laws and an accurate reflection of one’s tax situation. An amendment becomes necessary to rectify discrepancies that impact tax liability or refund amounts.

Recognizing When to Amend

Filing an amended tax return becomes necessary when significant errors or omissions on an original return impact the tax liability or refund amount. Common reasons include discovering errors in reported income, such as receiving a corrected W-2 or 1099 form after the initial filing, or realizing certain income was overlooked. Taxpayers may also need to amend if they identify overlooked deductions or credits they were eligible to claim, which could result in a larger refund or a reduced tax liability.

Changes in filing status can also prompt an amendment, for instance, if an individual incorrectly filed as single instead of head of household. Mathematical errors on the original return that were not automatically corrected by the tax authority might also require an amendment. The focus for an amendment is on substantive changes that materially affect the tax calculation.

Gathering Information and Completing Your Amended Return

To amend a federal individual income tax return, Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is the primary document used. Before beginning the amendment process, it is important to gather specific documents to ensure accuracy. This includes a copy of the original tax return for the year being amended, along with all supporting documents used for that return, and any new or corrected documents like updated W-2s or 1099s.

Form 1040-X can be obtained from the IRS website or through tax software. When completing the form, taxpayers will find three columns for financial figures. Column A is for amounts as reported on the original return, Column C is for corrected amounts, and Column B shows the net change between the two.

Part III, “Explanation of Changes,” requires filers to explain the reason for each adjustment made to the original return. This narrative helps the IRS understand the nature of the changes.

To claim a refund, a taxpayer must generally file Form 1040-X within three years from the date the original return was filed, or within two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever date is later. If the original return was filed early, such as before the April tax deadline, the three-year period typically begins from that April deadline.

Amending a federal tax return often impacts state tax returns. If the changes on the federal return affect the state tax liability, amend the corresponding state tax return. Taxpayers should consult their specific state tax agency’s website for forms and instructions, as state amendment processes are independent of the federal process.

Submitting Your Amended Return

After completing Form 1040-X, submit it to the IRS. Form 1040-X is typically filed by mail. Electronic filing has become available for more recent tax periods, generally for the current and two prior tax years. Taxpayers should check current IRS guidelines or their tax software to determine if e-filing is an option for their specific tax year.

When mailing the amended return, send the completed Form 1040-X along with copies, not originals, of all supporting documents. This includes corrected W-2 or 1099 forms, or any new schedules that support the adjustments. The correct mailing address for Form 1040-X varies by state; refer to the instructions or the IRS website for your location’s address.

It is recommended to keep a complete copy of the filed Form 1040-X and all accompanying documents for your records. For proof of submission, consider using certified mail with a return receipt. If the amendment results in additional tax owed, payment should be made with the amended return to minimize potential penalties and interest.

What to Expect After Filing

After submitting an amended tax return, patience is necessary as processing times are typically longer than for original returns. The IRS generally advises that amended returns can take anywhere from 8 to 20 weeks to process. Various factors can influence this timeframe, including errors on the amended return, incompleteness, or if it requires further review.

Taxpayers can monitor the status of their amended return using the “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool available on the IRS website. To use this online tool, individuals will need to provide their Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code. It is generally recommended to wait at least three weeks after mailing the return before attempting to check its status.

If the amendment results in a lower tax liability, the taxpayer may receive a refund, often by direct deposit for e-filed returns or paper check for mailed ones. If it leads to a higher tax liability, additional tax will be owed. In some cases, the IRS may send a notice requesting more information or explaining adjustments made to the return.