Tips for Taxpayers Who Need to File an Amended Tax Return

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The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2023 (returns filed in 2024).

Mistakes happen. If you make a filing error or forget to include something on your tax return and have already filed it, you can file an amended return. Amended tax returns let you correct mistakes up to three years after the filing deadline.  

When to File an Amended Return

The IRS will correct common errors on your tax return. But for bigger mistakes or omissions, you’ll need to file the amended return. These can include: 

• Your filing status changed
• You forgot to claim certain qualifying deductions or credits
• You need to add or remove a dependent
• You need to correct your reported income

Pro Tip: Use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to find out if you need to file an amended return.

Changes made on a federal return may also affect state taxes. Contact the state tax agency to confirm if this applies to your situation.

How to File an Amended Return

File Form 1040-X to amend.

File using IRS Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct your tax return. If you are filing an amended 1040 or 1040-SR for 2023, you can file electronically with ezTaxReturn now. 

All other amended returns must still be mailed to the IRS. When filing by mail, taxpayers should indicate the year of the original return and explain all changes made by attaching any forms or schedules. You can then sign and mail  Form 1040-X to the address listed in the instructions. Taxpayers filing Form 1040-X in response to an IRS letter should mail it to the address shown on the letter.

Use separate forms if amending more than one tax year.

You must file and submit a separate Form 1040-X for each tax year to avoid confusion. Check the box for the calendar year or enter the other calendar year or fiscal year you are amending. The form’s instructions have the mailing address for the amended return.

Track your amended return status online.

You can track the status of your amended tax return in English and Spanish using Where’s My Amended Return? Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process and up to three weeks from the date of mailing to show up in the system. Before that time, there’s no need to call the IRS unless the tool specifically tells the taxpayer to do so.

Tips for Filing an Amended Return

File within three-year time limit.

Taxpayers generally have three years from the date they filed their original tax return to file Form 1040-X to claim a refund. You can also file it within two years of the date you paid the tax, if that date is later.

Don’t amend for math errors or missing forms.

You generally don’t need to file an amended return to correct math errors on your original return. The IRS may correct math or clerical errors on a return and may accept it even if you forgot to attach certain tax forms or schedules. The IRS will mail a letter to you, if necessary, requesting additional information.

Wait to receive your refund for tax year 2023 before filing.

Sometimes you’ll be eligible for a larger refund after amending your return. However, if you are due refunds from your original tax year 2023 tax return, wait for the IRS to process the return and issue the refund before filing Form 1040-X to claim an additional refund.

The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.